Raw gas smell / hard starting ??

[618stanley]

Morning all !

Got the brakes and headlight issue fixed..now to another topic.
92 Euro, 3.1, Auto Trans.

At start up the gas pedal needs a pump to get it going and it cranks more than it should for start up. It just started this issue a couple days ago, prior to that all was well with starting as all FI engines should.

After shutting down a notice a raw fuel smell from the engine compartment. I went over it yesterday and found no fuel leaks at all, just the fuel smell. After sitting for a while the smell does go away.

After starting it runs well, with no check engine light coming on at all. Where should I look or pursue on this issue.... any comon thread on this ? Be kind as possible as I'd rather take somethig apart and clean than take it in. Any helpful advice ? Hoping it's not the injectors.............. Make my day with a inexpensive fix !

Thanks,
Stan

[618stanley]

Another update, .. went to get gas, RPM's bounce between normal idle, to about 500 and then lower to where vehicle dies. Starts up ok. Put a bottle of injector cleaner in and the vehicle will be driven on interstate today for about 200 mile trip.

Since this is a new/used car I know the fuel filter looks real old (checked it out) and I don't know of plug's age but assume they have some miles on them as well. ??

Thanks,
Stan

[paulfischer]

How many miles on it??
If your not sure when it was last tuned up, i would start there.
Plugs, wires, fuel and air filter, pcv valve. Maybe check coils and ignition module.
Also check fuel lines and connectors by fuel rail. I had a o ring fail on me in a quick disconnect on the fuel rail.
Check fiitting by fuel pressure regulator. Maybe loose.

Hope that helps.

[618stanley]

Miles are 160 k, just bought it 3 weeks ago, past maint history unknown but appears to have been well taken care of.

Today.... can't keep it running at stop signs... surges / dies. It's fine on the interstate however ?

Thanks

[paulfischer]

maybe its the idle air control valve.
is the check engine light on?

[618stanley]

Nope, no lights on at all. Hoping to get into shop today. These days it's expensive to guess on parts.... I hope they will be kind to me.

Maybe a coil pack died ?? Who knows, maybe someone here can help.
Thanks,
Stan

[paulfischer]

what was the outcome of the shop visit?

[618stanley]

Well folks, the outcome of the shop visit was a fuel pressure regulator that went south. When the snorkel was pulled at the engine, fuel ran out ! Just to be safe I had the fuel filter replaced while it was in, and changed the oil / filter when I got it home just in case there was too much fuel contamination in the oil.

On the good side the shop looked everything else over and said all looked well with the engine. I was worried on the generic lower intake gasket issue with luminas but they said this one was ok and 92's were really not affected with this issue as with past years.

Ok, you all want to know on the cost's right ???
Parts around 235 and labor around 150.

Thanks,
Stan