Hard to Start!

[Jeffo]

My wife's 1995 993 wouldn't start after work on the first warm day of the year. We've sometimes had it become difficult to start on a rare occaision, but this time it just wouldn't kick over. I had to rescue her. Fortunately a can of ether stater fluid did the trick. Afterward it ran great.

Now I'm looking at the plugs and they look nearly new. The batery and starter are strong. Maybe a choke/injector issue?

Anyone have any ideas?

Jeff

[Loren]

Maybe this will help...

This could be a number of things. I would check the DME relay (aka fuel pump relay), and if the fuel filter has not been replaced since the Clinton administration, I would do that now. I would also try a different brand of fuel, although I think that is unlikely to be the issue.

If we still don't have it, next I would check the fuel pressure, both first thing in the morning, and under the hot start conditions. If we can narrow it down to fuel delivery, or rule out fuel delivery, then we can think about checking the spark side of the equation.

Joel Reiser - PCA WebSite - 9/19/2005

[Jeffo]

Maybe this will help...

This could be a number of things. I would check the DME relay (aka fuel pump relay), and if the fuel filter has not been replaced since the Clinton administration, I would do that now. I would also try a different brand of fuel, although I think that is unlikely to be the issue.

If we still don't have it, next I would check the fuel pressure, both first thing in the morning, and under the hot start conditions. If we can narrow it down to fuel delivery, or rule out fuel delivery, then we can think about checking the spark side of the equation.

Joel Reiser - PCA WebSite - 9/19/2005

Thanks, Joel. I've never found a manual for this car, so I hope you don't mind my asking where the fuel filter is located, and where I check the fuel pressure.

Jeff

[Loren]

Jeff,

I just posted Joel's comment...

Here is the inforamtion on changing the fuel filter:

1. Unhook clamps of air cleaner cover. Take out housing cover and filter element.

2. Separate air cleaner housing from intake air rail and unhook from air flow sensor. Lift up air cleaner housing and take out housing. Be careful no to lose the a-ring in the air cleaner housing / air flow sensor.

3. Undo fuel lines, using a second wrench to lock. Drain remaining fuel into a suitable container.

4. Undo clamp and remove fuel filter.

5. Fit new filter. Observe direction of flow = direction of arrow.

6. Start engine and check fuel lines and fuel filter for leaks.

Check fuel and injection lines for leaks and tight fit!