Chevy Cavalier hard to start

[j442w30]

Hi Everyone,

I've got a 1998 Chevy Cavalier with the 2.2 L4 engine and a 5 speed. It has been hard to start and my gut feel is I've got a fuel injector leaking. If the car sits for an hour or so after being run the engine cranks for a bit and then kicks over but almost stalls. If its been sitting for at least a day or two it usually kicks over right away like it should. It seems if its been sitting for anymore than 20 minutes it becomes hard to start which leads me to believe that one of the injectors is leaking and causing it to flood out. There are no codes in the OBD when I have scanned it either.

Does anyone have any other ideas? Is there anyway to find out which injector is leaking? The car has almost 110,000 miles on it, is it time for all of the injectors to be replaced? If it is an injector I figure the oil is going to need a change soon b/c gas would be leaking down into the sump and thinning out the oil.

Also, the lifters are a little noisy, can you add some seafoam to the oil to try to quiet it down or is there a better product for that?

Any and all advice is appreciated

happy boating,

Joe

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

When it does start after sitting do you notice any black smoke from the exhaust (sign of flooding)? If so, the next time you try to start it hold the gas pedal ALL the way to the floor until engine starts then release pedal. Holding the pedal to the floor puts the computer in "Clear Flood Mode" which stops the injectors from firing. If the engine is flooded this should help it to start faster and maybe with less black smoke. Your problem could also be a bad fuel pressure regulator or possibly (but not as likely) a bad coolant temp sensor. You can check the fuel pressure regulator by removing the vacuum hose and inspecting it for gas, there should not be any gas in the vacuum hose. Check the coolant sensor for dirty connection. Oh, I almost forgot, be sure to check the throttle body for sludge build up. Remove the air duct from air filter housing to the throttle boby and look into the throat for sludge build-up. If it's dirty clean it with a spray can of carb cleaner. With the engine OFF have someone hold the gas pedal to the floor while you clean the throttle bore and the throttle plate. You need to clean at least a 1/2 to 1 inch past where the throttle plat seats in the bore. TIP; use a tooth brush to scrub with, and some rags to wipe the residue clear.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

Do a fuel pressure test ,if you smell fuel when it cranks,{as you say fuel in the oil }{pull dip stick out smell for gas}check ign system {coil esp} check for frozen EGR or slack timing

 

[j442w30]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

Thanks for the info. I'll start with that stuff, hopefully it's something simple.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

My money is on the ignition module going bad....

 

[j442w30]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

Ok guys I replaced the coolant temp sensor because I had an extra one laying around and I cleaned the throttle body. No black smoke from the exhaust but the exhaust does smell like gas, when I push the gas pedal to the floor it does help the starting. Also, when its been sitting for the right amount of time I usually turn the key to the on position for a few seconds to let the fuel pump pressurize the system before I try to start it, this usually helps but not always. Are the tools necessary to to a fuel pressure test expensive or is this something I should leave to a professional who has the right diagnostic equipment? I'm a do it yourself person at heart but it's probably not worth it to me to buy a bunch of expensive tools.

thanks again for your help

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

That system does require special adapters that connect into the fuel lines. There is not a fuel pressure testing service port on that engine.

Is the "check engine"/"service engine soon" light on?

 

[j442w30]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

The check engine light is not on. Do you think its the fuel pressure regulator or a fuel pump? Any recommendations on where to buy the adaptors and a gauge or are they pretty expensive?

thanks for your help reel poor, hope your foot is getting better

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Chevy Cavalier hard to start

You might check with a local auto parts supplier to see if they have a gauge you could borrow/rent. The gauge isn't too expensive (40.00+/-) but the availability of the adapting connectors is going to be your problem.

BTW, the foot is doing better. I'm starting to put a little weight on it already. Thanks for asking.