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98 Olds Bravada with intermittant starting problems
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Inanna
New User
Oct 21, 2013, 7:06 PM
Post #1 of 3
(2274 views)
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98 Olds Bravada with intermittant starting problems
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Hi there,
My dad has been trying to diagnose and fix a starting problem with my Bravada, but he's not having any luck. I've taken it to another mechanic shop as well who can't seem to find anything wrong with it either. Both have basically told me they could replace part by part until we get lucky, but that would be expensive.
It's got spark, and it has 61 psi fuel pressure when the key is turned to the on position.. and holds around 58-59 when turned back off. The fuel pump does kick on when the key is turned, I can hear it. It has new spark plugs, wires, and distributor cap. The problem started before these things, so I know they're not at fault. The engine cranks just fine.
If I start the car and let it warm up or drive it a few minutes at least 1-2 times a day, I don't have problems with it starting. If I let it sit for more than a day then I get problems. Unfortunately I frequently will not need to go anywhere for 3-5 days at a time.
Once it's decided not to start, I have to play with the gas pedal to get it to start. My dad and I (through trial and error) have learned if I hold the pedal down to the floor, try to start it, turn it off and let up on the gas completely. Then start it without holding down the gas pedal and slowly (while the engine is cranking) press down on the pedal little by little.. it will eventually catch and turn over. Sometimes it takes several minutes worth of tries. The smell of gas is pretty strong outside by the time it finally works. Once it does - or starts to - I have to immediately pump the gas and rev the engine hard or it will stall. After it's been started and ran a few minutes, it's fine to turn off and on without problem for the rest of the day.
Any ideas? Need more info? Thanks in advance for your help!
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 22, 2013, 1:53 AM
Post #2 of 3
(2242 views)
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Re: 98 Olds Bravada with intermittant starting problems
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It sounds like your injectors are leaking down. When you crank this over with the gas pedal floored you put it into clear flood mode, which disables injection. The strong odor of gas and the symptoms are that of a flooded engine. How long did you let this sit when you took the key off fuel pressure reading? I'd bet if you left the gauge on for a few days you would see it drop down. The injectors on these were a known weak point, and unfortunately they are also an expensive part.
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