2.3L ('83-'97) Some Codes and Issue

[oldgeek]

Hello.

I had to take a look at the codes from the CEL. The situation is that first, the engine seems to take an extra crank or two to start, at least from what I was used to. I mean that it used to start pretty well within a second, now it takes maybe a second and half to two seconds. This is whether cold or at operating temp. Now the weird thing, to me at least, is that when the engine cools down a little bit, or the outside temp is around 100 degs, it takes extra effort to start. Sometimes taking two tries, and then pressing the accelerator just a little bit then it starts (I know you shouldn't have to press the accelerator, but it does seem to make a difference, might just be my perception).

Now this has happened a couple of times, the engine has cooled just a little, try to start it, stop cranking, and on the second try, there is a hesitation like not enough juice, and then I smell fuel (guessing from the exhaust). I then stop the cranking, and try again and it starts without issue. I haven't done a load test on the battery. The voltage is OK and I did test the fluid with a hydrometer and all the cells are fine that way. However it starts fine otherwise outside these two or three times that the above happened.

I pulled codes this afternoon.


214
222
332
172
326
335

I've been wanting to replace the O2 sensor for a while (unfortunately, the part doesn't come boxed with the time needed to install it!), but is 172 due to a bad O2 sensor or something else? I cleaned to EGR out a while back also with carb cleaner. The valve would open and shut with vacuum, and it would not drip any cleaner while shut, so I assumed the valve was seating. Might be wrong there.

Thanks

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Wondering if fuel injector is leaking?

 

[oldgeek]

Wondering if fuel injector is leaking?

What would that be like driving? I cannot tell if there is any difference at speed. But, maybe it's more subtle then?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

At speed it wouldn't be noticable. But when parked and engine off it will leak into cylinder making hard start. Opening throttle helps because it counteracts the excess fuel in engine. Also leaking injector will bleed off pressure in fuel system so will take longer to start. The system has to build up pressure...
A test would be to turn key on several times for at least 2 seconds without starting engine. The fuel pump will run for 2 seconds adding approximately 10psi each time. If your engine starts quicker that would be another sign that injectors are leaking.