Hard starting '89

[ozzy85]

My '89 2.3L has been a reliable rig, but lately I've been having intermittent starting problems. Seems maybe once a week it will refuse to start unless I let it sit for a minute. Accompanied by an electrical sounding hum. This happens only when cold, otherwise it's fine. Any ideas?

 

[baddis]

the hum you are hearing is probably the electric fuel pump. listen every time you start it and see if the sound changes when it is hard to start.

 

[ozzy85]

It sounds about the same every time. The fuel pump is in the tank on these rigs, rght?

 

[Dave R]

The fuel pump is in the tank on these rigs, rght?

Correct.

Does the engine crank and simply not fire or does it sputter?

Next time check to see if you have spark (pull a plug wire) and fuel (test it at the schrader valve).

 

[ozzy85]

The engine will not fire. No sputtering. For some reason, turning the switch completely off, then turning it on like a diesel (waiting a few seconds) before starting works.

 

[Dave R]

Could still be either an electrical contact issue or fuel pump issue, or even a fuel pump electrical contact issue (relay).