[MARKII]

It started up "cold" again last night so I could drive to work. So tried restarting it there, a few seconds after turing it off, and it started......after a minute, started, 5 minutes, started............15 more minutes, didn't start (same old same old).

[So far, overnight, or 7 hrs worth of cooling down, it starts. One time only 4 hrs and it started.]

Anyways, a few hours later during a break, I tested for any codes...there were none (just kept flashing code 12 beyond three times). Then, I took my EGR valve out...........the exhaust intake tube thing (that sticks below the valve a bit), was VERY dirty with black deposits, So I sprayed it with Seafoam Deep Creep and tapped it with a small hammer. Then I looked, and the bottom of that tube was now open (could now see a space between the tube and that center pin thing), when before it was solid on the bottom with no space. Put it back on the car....and the car started (but it was about 4 hrs later though).

It didn't fix the problem though *groan*. So several hrs later at about 6AM it started up and I drove home. I notice that when idleing, I can detect no vacuum at the EGR valve (is that important?). But when I press upwards on the diaphram underneath it does the proper thing and the engine slows down. Then It also tested ok by moving up by itself when I revved up to around 2000rpm. I tested this because my manual said it could cause cranking with no start. Sorry I have not tested the "startup spark" yet. Havent had time, especially at night when I want to do it so I can see. Also after I did get home, same thing.....restarted several times within 10 minutes....but off for any longer, and it just keeps cranking.

I have no fuel pressure guage yet either, but still working on that.

Also, right after the EGR test back at home, I tested for codes again (still only code 12). Then I pulled out the fuel pump relay............and the bottom (female plug) harness connector had a knarly lump of melted but already hardened plastic, going at least half an inch down the wires on the bottom. I pulled the relay off of the harness and the brass contact blades had a lot of black stuff on them. So all I could do right then was spray some more SF Deep Creep in the female connector, plug in and remove it a few times, each time afterwards cleaning the brass contacts with a rag wrapped over a slot scewdriver. Plugged it back in.......the car started normally (this was maybe a couple hrs after I shut it off when I arrived home from work). Any idea's? (until I can do the spark and pressure test that is).