?Startup Issues - WTF?

[Kooldino]

Ok, so out of nowhere I started getting some startup issues.

It happens on occasion, at what seems to be complete random.

As soon as I turn the key into the "on" position, I hear a "pop", something like how a vac line sounds when it pops off.

Then I go to turn the key, and the car won't start.

After trying several times, the car will start, but it will die instantly. However, if I hold the throttle, all is well. A:F ratio is stoich. But the moment I let it go, it will die again.

If I turn it over, keep my foot on the throttle for a few minutes, and let it warm up, it will eventually behave like normal and drive fine.

I've checked all of the vaccum lines, and it all seems fine. I'm at a total loss right now.

I plan on checking my spark wires tonight, and beyond that, if it happens again, I'll check the connections on my MPI.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Kooldino]

Came up with a possible idea...PCV valve? Seems like I've been getting a lot of blowby through my crank case vent on the side...maybe the PCV isn't working correctly?

 

[hazeXban]

Could be a thing to check out, a lot of blow by isn't normal. At least I don't think it is.

 

[hazeXban]

Good luck with the problem, let us know!

 

[peepsalot]

If it's PCV, supposedly you just shake it to tell if it's good. rattling PCV = good

 

[Kooldino]

If it's PCV, supposedly you just shake it to tell if it's good. rattling PCV = good

That's what I hear. I'll have to shake dat ass before I leave work.

 

[BradC]

Would a PCV valve cause a running issue though? What would explain the pop then? The PCV valve doesn't "do anything" when the key is flipped...

 

[Kooldino]

Would a PCV valve cause a running issue though? What would explain the pop then? The PCV valve doesn't "do anything" when the key is flipped...

This is true. I just thought I'd check it out due to the blow by I've been getting.

The pop totally baffles me. It's not super loud though. just sounds like pressure being released.

 

[BradC]

Any funny smells? Gas? Can you hear the fuel pump pressurize?

Maybe a pop like a spark arcing as soon as power is distributed?

 

[Kooldino]

Any funny smells? Gas?

Nope.

Can you hear the fuel pump pressurize?

I can hear it turn on.

Maybe a pop like a spark arcing as soon as power is distributed?

I don't think it's that. It's more of an air pressure kind of pop.

 

[Kooldino]

Ok, so after inspecting the area around my throttle body, I came to the conclusion that something looked like it was missing. I assume it was just a bolt, so I threw one in there. Anyone wanna double check for me? Maybe this was a contributing factor? Either way, it's good to have the bolt back in there.

 

[peepsalot]

well did it fix your problem?

 

[Kooldino]

well did it fix your problem?

Well, it only happens at random, so I dunno. I got like 5 good starts after the clusterfuck today, and that was before i replaced the bolt.

 

[Lil Freek]

seriously sounds like your PCV valve.
i forgot to put mine back in after working on the car the other day and it had the EXACT same symptoms as yours.
i have the Millenia PCV valve now.. dunno if that makes a diff or anything in performance, but it sounds like your PCV valve is faulty or something.

 

[BradC]

Keep us posted on how it works out.

 

[Kooldino]

seriously sounds like your PCV valve.
i forgot to put mine back in after working on the car the other day and it had the EXACT same symptoms as yours.
i have the Millenia PCV valve now.. dunno if that makes a diff or anything in performance, but it sounds like your PCV valve is faulty or something.

I took that out yesterday and jiggled it around. Seemed fine. I too, have the Millenia valve.

Anyway, it fired up the second I breated on the key this morning. So I guess we'll see.

 

[BradC]

How often did it make the "pop" noise? If once, maybe that "pop" was that bolt saying c-ya...

 

[Kooldino]

How often did it make the "pop" noise? If once, maybe that "pop" was that bolt saying c-ya...

It could have been, but doubtful. Apparently the VICS opens when you turn the key to "on", so maybe it flipped and leaked air out of that spot in the IM?

 

[Kooldino]

Update: So far, so good...

 

[Kooldino]

Ok...so today during lunch, I went out.

Put the key in, turned it to the on position...heard the quiet "pop"...oh crap.

Tried to turn it over, and it didn't want to start. I stayed on it for 6 or so seconds and it fired up...and then immediately died.

I popped the hood, opened and closed the VICS actuator (didn't seem abnormal).

Got back in the car, and it fired right up. WTF?