88 Sunbird having trouble starting

[bjj]

I need to put a little gas in the throttle body everytime to start my car. I have replaced the fuel pump and do not know what else to do. This is driving me crazy. I have taken it to several mechanics and dumped in almost a grand and no one can figure this out. I am almost considering getting a whole new engine or rebuilding it. HELP Thank You BJJ

[89Sunbird]

Have you tried the fuel filter? How about some fuel system cleaner like Gumout, Lucas or BG44K?

[bjj]

I have put in two new fuel filters per advice of mechanics and have tried several engine cleaners as you speak of. Still did not help. Could this be a fuel pressure problem?

[richtazz]

Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key on before attempting to start? If not, you may need a fuel pump relay. It's not energizing when the key is turned on, only after the oil pressure switch grounds.

[bjj]

What kind of sound should I be listening for? Thank BJJ

[89Sunbird]

Just a small motor...If you remove the rear seat, you can hear it from your seat...trust me :P

[bjj]

Yes, I do hear something when I turn the key before actual start. I put gas in it yesterday to start it and drove around all day without having to put the gas in the throttle body everytime but it is warm weather right now. When it gets cold again I have to put gas in it everytime to start. It idles high, which it needs to even run, otherwise if I turn the idle down it barely goes and I can not sit for too long (like traffic) because the temp. goes up to almost half way. Also the gas gauge fluctuates. It would be nice just to be able to start it up no problem everytime. Thanks BJJ

[89Sunbird]

Possibly the fuel lines? Or vapor lock? Check the gaskets around the throttlebody and intake manifold to make sure there are no problems there...

[richtazz]

I would hook up a fuel guage and see if your fuel pressure is bleeding off. If so, it's possible that the fuel pressure regulator is going south, and staying open when the engine is shut off. This allows the fuel to return the tank, emptying the lines causing you to have to prime the system when cold.