94 3.2 ATX Weird Starts and squeak

[thedude921]

Ive got a 94 3.2 ATX 120k. The car will run fine for awhile. Then when I stop, turn the car off, for maybe 30mins, it has trouble starting. I have to give it gas to get it to go or it dies. Once I start driving its fine.

Ive replaced the battery, air filter, and the plugs were replaced 3000+- miles ago.


Ive noticed two things:

1. There is oil in my plug wells, ive ordered new wires and plugs. I was told to get a valve cover kit and replace them, but Im afraid to remove the overhead because Im not a mechanic, but on the other side I dont trust any shops. I was told its not a hard task, but I cant find a good set of instructions.

2. On the right side of the engine one of the pulleys has a loud squeak. It also has a slight wabble to it. It is the third pulley down, I think. I was told it was the water pump. I know the manual says you need to remove the RH wheel, timing belt, etc. I was wondering if there is an easier way?


Also Im noticing I have to add Power Steering Fluid maybe once every 2 months. Is this normal?

[shorod]

If you have oil in the spark plug wells, you don't want to replace the wires without first fixing the oil leak. This is probably the source of the starting trouble and low power. However, you may also want to consider checking the fuel pressure and replacing the fuel filter if that has not been replaced recently. Changing the valve cover gaskets is not that difficult of a job if you are a bit mechanically inclined and have a fair selection of sockets and reasonably small hands. It's been about 5 years since I did mine, but my recall is the worst part was getting the Idle Air Control motor off and a couple of the coolant lines for the throttle body were a bit tricky to get to. Make sure you pay attention to the location of the ground strap on the rear intake support bracket, and make sure you reconnect it when installing everything.

My recall is that the water pump is located under the timing belt cover and is driven by the timing belt, so I don't think that is what you are seeing. It's probably an idler pulley or self tensioner. Is the pulley about 3 inches in diameter?

No, going through power steering fluid is not normal. You may have a leak in your rack and pinion, or the hose clamp for the power steering oil cooler may be loose and leaking where the rubber hose meets the cooler.

-Rod