I have a question for you experienced FDers
I have recently been having a problem starting my car. When I get slightly below 1/2 tank of gas my car fights to start. The starter turns and turns but the car just won't start. ONce it is running there insn't a problem. If I fill it up with gas then it starts fine. This has only happened twice so far (it just started happening).
I should probably run it down lower on gas and see if it happens a 3rd time. But any thoughts??? Fuel pump?
I can't really think of what it may be.
My mods are in my sig.
Any help, thoughts, or insight would be great.
Thanks
-Dave

 

I dont know that much of an answer but here are some thoughts. I'm thinking maybe fuel filter... pump... injectors... also when was the last time you changed your pulsation dampener?

 

Never heard of that before.....How many miles on the motor?

 

it only has 65k, I havn't changed anything with the fuel system. (including the pulsation dampener)

 

Best bet is to install a fuel pressure gauge. It will help you trouble shoot fule system problems. The problem sounds like insufficient fuel pressure, it could be the pump/filter/injectors. Once u find out what the pressure is, if it is correct than you probably have injector problems.

 

I have to agree with Trex...sounds like a fuel pressure issue...

 

When was the last time your fuel filter was changed or your injectors cleaned?

 

BTW, I just got my fuel filter replaced today and it isn't cheap. I had read on the board that it's a real PIA to change and that it's the one thing people would let the dealership do. I just bought the car a few weeks ago and had no idea when the previous owner had changed the fuel filter (if ever). The filter itself was around $45. I labor for one hour was a whopping $78. UGH! But I figure ~$135 is better than several thousand to replace an engine.

 

cool, Do you think that cleaning the injectors is something I can do myself? (what does it intail?) or should (can) I have that done at the dealership with the fuel filter?

On another note, any recommended brands on fuel pressure guage? I have the sport-comp auto meters (boost and A/F) Should I get theirs?

Thanks
-Dave

 

I had a similar problem that was related to the amount of fuel in the gas tank. When I would get down under 1/2 tank of gas my car would fall on its face under hard acceleration. No one gave me a good answer on the forum just told me the same stuff change your fuel filter change your plugs. But I had already done that before I even asked. It ended up being a weak fuel pump. Dont ask me why. The only half way logical explanation I heard was from a friend of mine who mechanics at a GM dealership who had the problem with a truck that had the same problem you are having. He thought that the fuel pump was getting hot as it was being uncovered by the fuel. Well to make a long story short a fuel pump fixed the problem on my car.