Hi,

My '94 854 NA started having some difficulties to start since last week. I've checked the battery (12.4V), alternator (14.4V), and no error code got registered.

Before this problem occurred, the engine would start as soon as I turned the key. It takes 5 to 6 seconds of cranking to start now. I had the fuel filter replaced late last year.

Do I have dirty fuel injectors? I had a tank of Oct 89 gas put in right before it started. I just put in one tank of 92 gas but no improvement yet. The car runs fine once it starts. No other issues been found yet.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Is it a COLD starting issue or a HOT starting issue?
A COLD starting issue is if the car is basically parked after a long time, like overnight or so.
A HOT starting issue is if the car is just stopped for 5 minute or so.

The troubleshooting for both are similar, but not identical. If cold starting is the issue, try looking at the battery first, which i guess is not an issue for you, at 12.4V and 14.4V
If hot starting, then look at the air filter element, and see if that is clogged. If its dirt black, then just change.

Otherwise, look at your fuel delivery system; the injectors, the injector relay, the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel pump controller relay and finally the fuel pump itself.

Thanks for the feedback.

It's a cold issue and it would happen every time even the engine is still warm unless I try to start the engine right after I turn it off. Even just a minute after I shut off the engine, the problem would occur.

Thanks

My thoughts would be fuel delivery. I would start with the fuel pump and then go on to things like injectors, etc. If it is running OK after you start it then I would think the fuel pump would be the culprit.

Could you explain why the car would run fine after it starts if the problem is related to fuel system?

Would the engine run rough or not running at all when either the relay or the pump failed?

Thanks

Could be that once it is primed enough fuel is getting to the injectors to keep it running. The fuel pump could be going bad but still work enough to get the car running. This is all conjecture on my part as I know little or nothing about cars, other than how to drive them. :D

It could VERY well be the Fuel Pressure Regulator, that is partly hidden by the fuel rail. If it is weak, it will not be able to hold the fuel pressure up. So, that explains why the longer you wait, the harder to get it started.

Can anyone tell me how to check the fuel pressure regulator?

What kind of tools do I need? I only have a volt meter.

I talked with a guy on IPD and he recommended to look into the fuel injectors since they might be dirty so fuel was dripping into cylinders and caused hart start.

I put in a bottle of Chevron Techron but I haven't seen any improvement yet after 1/3 tank of driving.

Thanks

The technicians would have a special tool to check that, but not all normally have them. What you could do is try swapping that with a known good unit, like from a friend's car or something.