Would a no first start in the morning be caused by a failing fuel pump? How about a rough cold start? I also notice a loud buzzing noise from the fuel tank. Is that a tall tale sign of a bad pump? Thanks guys for your help.
Philip,
Hey, I've been having the same problem with my 86. That first start of the day it really struggles to stay running--if at all. There's a number of things that could be the problem. I've cleaned my throttle body, and run fuel system cleaner through a tank, and neither of those helped. From what I've heard, a problem such as yours and mine could be the result of a failing pressure regulator. If it's stuck open, it lets too much gas back into the tank over night, and the car has just enough fuel in the lines to start, but then die, but restart no problem once the system is pressurized. I would suggest checking your fuel system pressure. It should be between 30-45psi at idle. If your pressure is low, you may have a fuel pump problem, and if it's high, more than likely your regulator is at fault. There's my two cents... Let me know what you find, because I've yet to solve my problem either!
-Paul
Aight then, I'll check out the pressure tomorrow. I think that I'm going to have to replace the fuel pump just to make sure. My problem seems to gradually get worse and worse. Seems like the fuel pump is taking in its last breaths. Thanks man and I will keep you posted.
Jarret,
Yeah, my fuel pump makes a constant whine when it's running. But I've heard that's normal, and not necessarily a problem. Maybe I heard wrong? -Paul
Philip,
Hey, I went to my machanic friend today to discuss my problem, and he told me to replace my fuel filter and clean or replace the air intake manifold temperature sensor. I replaced the fuel filter successfully, but unfortunately broke the clamp deal on the temp sensor upon removal, so I have to wait until tomorrow to get a new one and put it in. The sensor is located next to the #1 cylinder fuel injector, and screws into the lower manifold. So you might try doing that too. I know by tomorrow whether or not either of these worked. I do know, however, that my factory sensor was absolutely covered in carbon desposits, so I'm sure it wasn't working to it's full potential if at all. Just something to think about it. -Paul
Originally posted by 86StangLX Jarret,
Yeah, my fuel pump makes a constant whine when it's running. But I've heard that's normal, and not necessarily a problem. Maybe I heard wrong? -Paul
Mine does too.guess those paxtons are loud
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Why would the air intake temp sensor not let the car start up though? I'll check my fuel filter, but I thought if the filter is clogged you would have rugged performance throughout the driving range, and just not on the start up. Mine is just on the start up.
Philip,
As I understand it, the manifold temp sensor tells the computer how much fuel to give the engine on start up. Because the engine requires more or less fuel on start up depending on its temperature. So if the sensor is bad, the engine can be flooded, or not receive enough fuel on the first start up of the day. I suppose it kind of acts like a choke, if you will. This is how I understand it, though. In terms of the fuel filter, you can take it out, and blow on the "sealed" end (the end that hooks up with the line from the tank) and if fuel comes out of the filter really easily, then your filter is fine. If it comes out sporatically, or not at all, then you've got a dirty filter. -Paul
I'll have to check all those out tomorrow or whenever I get off work. Where is the manifold temp sensor at? Is that the official name given in a manual? Thanks man
PHilip
Philip,
Hey, well I replaced my manifold temp sensor and my fuel filter last night, and it started right up after sitting for about 18 hours, which it hasn't done since this problem occurred. So I think I might have fixed it. It's often referred to as the manifold temp sensor, but the part name is called an "Air Charge Sensor" and as far as I could find, there is no reference to it in the Haynes manual, but I don't know about Childes, or whatever that other major manual is called. It's located right next to, and just below, the number one cylinder fuel injector. There's three wires leading to it (I believe), and it screws into the lower intake manifold. You'll need a 1" deep socket to get it out. Don't try with anything else, you'll just break it the one you're getting out, and break the new one trying to put it in. I learned this the hard way. :-) You'll also have to unplug the #1 cylinder fuel injector wire, and remove the distributor cap, and the lower piece that the cap sits on for the easiest access to the sensor. The one I bought today I got at Thrifty Auto and it's a Standard (brand) Part # AX3. "Air Charge Temperature Sensor". Now that I think about it, if you do have a Haynes manual and you refer to page 2D-10 , there's a picture 7.26, and on that manifold, you can see the sensor. It's located in the upper right corner of the picture. Brass 1" bolt thingy, with a plastic clamp deal on top of that. Hope this helps, let me know if you need any more help. The biggest thing though, is to MAKE SURE you have a 1" deep socket to do this job... It's impossible with anything else. -Paul
I dont have my manul handy right now, which plug if you are looking in the engine bay is the number one cylinder? I need to get my manual back from my friend. I hope that fixes my prob as well man. How much did you pay for your "Air charge Temp Sensor"? Thanks man.
Philip,
Well.... Bad news... She still stalled on the first start this morning. Now I'm pretty pissed! But if you're still interested in replacing it (which probably wouldn't hurt) here's a more descriptive location: On the driver side of the lower manifold (so just under the hang over portion of the upper intake) find your fuel rail. Then find the two front injectors nearest the front of the car. If you look inbetween the two of those injectors, you will see a sensor that screws into the manifold. It has a black top cap with two wires (black and green) coming out of it. I wish I had a digital camera so I could just take a picture of it and mail it to ya, but I don't. That's about the best description I can give you. It's real easy to see, if you know where you're looking. Just look inbetween the two FRONT fuel injectors on the DRIVER side of the car, and you'll see it. It's the only thing there that screws into the manifold. Hope this helps man... -Paul
P.S. The sensor cost me $24 from Thrifty Auto
Sorry to hear that your prob hasn't been solved. That bites. I think that I know what you are talking about. I'll have to mess with it tomorrow. Thanks man and I hope that we can fix this prob.
Fuel pump madness 
