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Old 09-26-2006, 05:59 PM   #1
moakus
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1990 Geo Prizm, trouble starting

Hey guys, I own a 1990 Geo Prizm. It has nearly 200K on it and so far this has been a perfect little car (ie, no major problems and I only have to perform routine maintenance). Within the last month, it has had trouble starting. The exact problem is this:

When my car has been sitting for hours and I go to start it (usually before and after work), it struggles to start. It cranks right away, but it will not turn over unless I press down the accelerator and give it about 10 secs. of gas. Once it turns over, it runs fine. If I stop the car to do errands or stuff, the car will start just fine when I return. The problem only occurs when the car has been sitting for many hours.

I believe the problem to be the fuel pressure regulator and/or the fuel pump, but both these parts are expensive and I’d like to rule out any other cause before I buy them.
As background info, I have replaced the battery, fuel filter, spark plugs, wires, and ignition rotor all within the last two months, so none of these can be causing the problem.

Has anybody seen this problem before and know what is causing it for sure?
Any suggestions?
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Old 09-29-2006, 11:35 AM   #2
It is a car!
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Re: 1990 Geo Prizm, trouble starting

I also have a 90 Geo Prizm - 135K miles.

Before you change any parts - have you ever tried a FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER ?

I think they are a good idea to use every now and then.

I like the Chevron stuff. a black bottle - comes in 12 oz and 20 oz. the 12oz. is enough for that car. Add it to the the tank while filling up at the gas station- dump it in there right before you insert the nozzle and filler-up.
it is about $10 a bottle (don't get the Fuel Injector Cleaner bottle - costs less but it is not as strong)

dont expect immediate result - wait till the tank is almost empty.
Good luck.
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Old 11-02-2006, 11:39 AM   #3
mhmllm
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Re: 1990 Geo Prizm, trouble starting

I'm experiencing the same problem with my 95 Prizm (186K miles). I have tried fuel system additives (to no avail). Like moakus, I too believe the problem is with the fuel pump or pressure regulator. Is ther a way to isolate either one?

Also, the "check engine" light is constantly on. I'm assuming there is a bad O2 sensor and have done nothing about it. Could that somehow be related to the starting problem?

Any and all suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated.
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Old 12-08-2006, 06:33 PM   #4
wrdbrn
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Re: 1990 Geo Prizm, trouble starting

I have replaced the battery and the starter.. she will roll start but will NOT turn over with the key ... manual tranny... clutch is as far in as it will go.. we are literally standing on it
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