Starting/running probs....

Hello everyone! I've run into a prob, actually a few, and I just can't seem to get my finger on the answer. I've got a '94 Regal with the 3.8.

Doesn't want to start, give it a shot of starting fluid and it fires up. (Good fuel pressure at the rail) After it starts, sometimes it runs perfect to 4K RPM, sometime it doesn't, but when it does get to 4K, it's like a rev limiter kicks in (redline according to the RPM gauge is 5500) but instead of dropping the revs, it acts like it kills the entire fuel system. If I hold the accelerator, it will "bog down" until it dies. If I let off, it will resume running and drop to idle as it should. Sometimes it fires up without the starting fluid. Sometimes I can floor it from idle and it picks up good, other times, it slowly revs like its got a fuel restriction all the way to 4K, then other times it just bogs out regardless of the RPMs. But, when it does this, I can "pump" the throttle and the throttle picks up. I have no SES lights or security lights on...actually, everything on the dash is the way it should be as far as the gauges and lights go. Temp. doesn't seem to have an affect on it...does this cold or at norm. operating temp. I've also checked the spark when it's "acting up" and I have good spark. So by all rights the blasted thing should run but....I think something is cutting off the fuel delivery at different times. All the air filter duct work is in place and in good condition. (no rips or tears in the boot) All electrical plugs are good and firmly plugged in.

I'm kind of leaning towards the TPS being bad but that generally throws up an SES light doesn't it? Thought maybe the injectors were getting clogged, as it does have 265K on it, but after talking to a few mechanics I don't think that is the problem. I've replaced the fuel filter and th pump was replaced about 50K ago. Im at a loss. Any help or insight is well appreciated. Thanks

-Nitro

265,000 miles? that's pretty impressive.

the first thing that would come to my mind would be those injectors. If you're spraying starting fluid in there, and it's kinda going, then that means it's not getting fuel, and you said you've got pressure. that's gotta be the injectors. either the plugs aren't tight, or they're clogged. the TPS will usually throw a code.

Well that's what I was thinking as well but, once I do get it running, it runs smoothly. (sometimes) No missing or skipping, running on all 6. It doesn't act like a bad injector. From what I've read, learned and have been told, once an injector gets clogged...it's clogged until it gets cleaned and even then its not a gaurantee.

I'm keeping the injectors in mind, not throwing it out the door, keeping that as a last resort.

I'm going to replace the TPS unit tomorrow and hope for the best. I have had a few guys tell me they have had bad units that never threw up a light/code so I'm going that route for now and hopefully, i'll have it. If not, I'll have to look into the injectors I guess....

Thanks for the input :smile:


-Nitro