intermittent no start problem.....

[NCC1701]

Here's my problem,
I have a 1987 Buick Grand National that started having an intermittent no start problem a few days ago. The motor cranks fine, but it takes a quite a few times before it fires. At first when it happened, I just thought it was a fluke, because it didn't do again for the rest iof the day. But I have noticed that it seems to be getting worse. This morning we go to take the dog to the groomers and it starts up fine, but when we go to leave the groomers, it cranks fine but doesn't fire. It took about 15-20 tries before it fired up. At one of the longer stop lights on the way back to my apartment, it started to run really rough, almost like it was about to run out of fuel. (tank is full) So I kinda rode the gas a brake pedal to get the rpms up. When the light turned greeen, my car stumbled for a few seconds but then smoothed out and everything was fine. So I figure it's about due for a new fuel filter. That wasn't it. New fuel filter, but still an occasional crank but no start. The thing is, so far (Thank GOD) my car as eventually started. That is what has me confused My car has never died on me after it is running.
After doing a search thru the archives on no start problems, it seems that it's either the cam sensor, crank sensor, or coil pack/module.
It can't be the crank sensor, because I am getting spark. I must be getting spark because my car starts and runs eventually.
Again, same reason why I am doubting a bad coil pack/module.
I am thinking maybe the cam sensor going bad,not telling the ecm when #1 cylindar is ready for spark (when the car is cranking but not firing) except every now and then ( when my car starts and is running). I read that there is a screw under the cam sensor, maybe that thing came lose??? I'll be checking this out tomorrow.
any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Oh yeah, no scan tool yet, soon

 

[John Larkin]

FWIW, it sounds like a stuck injector and the car may be loading up with fuel (when it finally cranks, does black smoke come out the exhaust?). If you can't figure it out with the cam sensor, a gallon of xylene in the gas tank with at least 3 gallons of gas can help clean them. It's a $10 diceroll worst case. While usually the opposite, also might try pulling and reseating all the injector plugs and checking for pinched wires. Set your IACs as well according to gnttype procedure; that can cause stumbling as well at a stoplight. Good Luck!

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

clear flood -

if you run into this problem again-- try flooring the gas pedal all the way to the floor-- this will hopefully help your problem of flooding the engine- and if it starts up fine all the time, then you will know that you have a leaky injector situatuation

if that doesnt help- try another computer chip--
some chips dont allow the car to start up well
hth

 

[GN-231]

I had a problem kind of like that once. It turned out that one of the wires connected to my fuel pump relay was barely hanging on to its connector. It would cause the same no start problem you speak of, but I never had any problems once it was driving. Make sure you check all wire connections that are wrapped up in electrical tape...electrical tape can hide loose wires very easily.

 

[NCC1701]

Update on problem....

Well, I checked my cam sensor and it was fine. Also I figured that if i had a stuck injector, I wouldn't be able to hear that one clicking. All of them sounded as if they were firing. Those stock injectors sure are loud Never noticed before, but when you listen for them, when you're under the hood, you can hear them.
So I figure I'll check my plug wires for resistance. Well, I pull one end off the coilpack and the whole post comes out with it the wire
So I pull the post out of the wire and put it pack in the coilpack. It doesn't feel very tight in there, but It appears to be making contact. My car has not had the starting problem since.
So, Next payday I am getting a new coil pack. Any brands to stay away from???

By the way, THANKS for the suggestions and tips everyone

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33444

best deal in the usa

 

[Steve Wood]

after the car has been sitting for a bit...pull the plugs and see if any are wet with fuel.

 

[CS99]

I am having the same problem as in this thread. I pulled all plugs and cylinder 6 plug was wet with fuel. the other five were dry.

 

[TURBOV6]

Bad or dirty crank sensor? I had that simular problem, I replaced the crank sensor cleaned the surface and that fixed it.