Starting issue, not really sure what to do now

crossouttheeyes · Post by **crossouttheeyes** » 26 Oct 2016, 12:03

Hey guys this is my first time posting to the forum but I frequently visit to read and gain more knowledge for my beloved wagon. So here is a quick recap. My current DD is an 89 245 5 speed manual. I have slowly started doing more work on my cars as I've owned them but also have a fantastic local mechanic. I have been trying to rely on him less and do more myself. With that being said you know a little about my abilities. With some direction I'm feeling more confident with what I am doing under the hood.

I have had a starting issue with my 89, I'm going to do the best I can to describe it. Every time I start my car it takes a few more cranks to start the car than it should, sometimes 3-6 cranks to get the engine to fire. Once the engine fires, bare with me... it seems to "timidly" start to idle. It doesn't seem to have a very strong start if that makes sense? Sometimes it seems to have a quick stutter before turning over. I had a leak in my sending fuel line that was spitting gas right before the firewall behind the 4th injector. I thought this was the culprit but after getting the line replaced it did nothing to help the problem. I also had CEL codes 312/232/212 after fixing the line they were cleared and have not come back. I was also told that my 02 sensor was not responding until the car warmed up. The car also has had both fuel pumps replaced, new crank position sensor, and alternator. The only thing I want to note is, what I believe is the return line from the fuel rail is rock hard and not secured snug to the fuel rail. Could this be adding to the problem?

I have not replaced the distributor cap and rotor as well as plugs and wires just yet. I wanted to see if there is something I'm missing? I hope this is adequate information for you guys to help me out. Again I'm still learning and would greatly appreciate any advice ya'll have! Thanks!

joedrt77 · Post by **joedrt77** » 27 Oct 2016, 06:56

New plugs would be a good starting point, it's not really a waste of money because you always need them at some point.

crossouttheeyes · Post by **crossouttheeyes** » 27 Oct 2016, 07:41

joedrt77 wrote:New plugs would be a good starting point, it's not really a waste of money because you always need them at some point.

I agree, I was planning on doing that on my day off as a starting point plus its a pretty cheap start.

joedrt77 · Post by **joedrt77** » 01 Nov 2016, 05:00

For sure, hopefully it is just plugs, let us know how it goes.

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 05 Nov 2016, 21:27

Did you try some fuel injector cleaner? Sounds like the gas isn't getting there fast enough, there may be a clog.

joedrt77 · Post by **joedrt77** » 19 Nov 2016, 08:21

Did you get your new plugs, did they fix your issue?