hard starting 90 berreta 3.1
timdale
12-20-2008, 07:08 PM
I,m pretty sure it's a fuel pressure problem. when the car hasn't run for a while (over 2 hrs) I have to touch the throttle to get it to start, but only after several seconds of cranking. Once it starts it idles good, but when the high idle kicks down it runs rough. I put a new IAC on and have a new fuel pump. I guess I'm wondering if a bad pump would cause the rough idle, or do i have a leaky inj. or bad regulator. It shows no codes, and it gets poor mileage, 18-22 mpg. Oh yeah, if you start it under the 2 hrs, it fires up good, but still idles poorly
rhandwor
12-26-2008, 08:59 AM
I would use a pressure tester and check the pressure. This is a picture of one.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_3430.htm
I think this model has a throttle body with one or two injectors on top. Usually a pressure regulator is in this throttle body. I've have had to clean and rebuild these like a carburator. About the same kit with triple price. If the pressure isn't correct I think a rebuild kit is available for the regulator or buy a new one. Some new fuel pumps also aren't correct either. If it has fuel rails the regulator should be on the rail. If you pull a vacuum line for it with fuel in it replace.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_3430.htm
I think this model has a throttle body with one or two injectors on top. Usually a pressure regulator is in this throttle body. I've have had to clean and rebuild these like a carburator. About the same kit with triple price. If the pressure isn't correct I think a rebuild kit is available for the regulator or buy a new one. Some new fuel pumps also aren't correct either. If it has fuel rails the regulator should be on the rail. If you pull a vacuum line for it with fuel in it replace.
jsgold
12-30-2008, 10:11 PM
My suggetion is to also check your firing...when they get this old the coil packs get weak, causes hard starts and misses. been down that road before. Check to see if you get a LONG BLUE spark from each wire. Any yellow or short sparks (less than 1" or so) I would replace the coil or coils. The last time I did this one coil had weak but blue spark the other side had yellow very weak spark. You have three coils, each controls two plugs. Just my suggestion.
jsgold
12-30-2008, 10:13 PM
I would also add, if you find weak spark take the igniton module in and have it tested at Advance or Autozone(sits under your coils, has to be removed as a total assembly). This can also cause a poor start. Be sure your IAC is clean, plugs are good, filter etc.
timdale
01-04-2009, 09:11 AM
I did replace the coil pack when I bought the car due to a crack, put a new iac motor on, and have tried cycling the fuel pump 6-7 times, but no luck. However I just put a bottle of seafoam in half tank of gas and the idle improved, but still hard starting, thanks for the tips so far.
rhandwor
01-04-2009, 06:50 PM
Try spraying starter fluid in to the intake after the air flow meter if it starts up easily I would say you have a fuel problem.
timdale
03-30-2009, 06:28 PM
found the prob! checked fuel press, only 25 psi! pulled return line when cranking and running and NO fuel, pump shot, and they could't believe the car was getting enough fuel to run. hope this can help some other people
loosenut74
09-28-2009, 02:21 AM
found the prob! checked fuel press, only 25 psi! pulled return line when cranking and running and NO fuel, pump shot, and they could't believe the car was getting enough fuel to run. hope this can help some other peoplecome check us out...
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