94 starts then dies

[schofell84]

whats up guys i have a '94 3.8 litre custom and well, its about to be scrapped. one night (new years eve infact ) i was on a beer run in ol' bessie with a bunch of chicks nonetheless. when i came back out to start the car it would start easily, then die. no sputtering, nothing just die. if i gave it gas it would run but there would be no way i could put it in gear, it was revving a bit. it smelled of gas pretty badly. now i do have a leaking exhaust gasket which could lead to a richer fuel trim but anything to this measure? i knew this so i would open it up every once in a while to make sure the plugs kept clean but could it affect the ol' girl to this extent? ive read up and seen that the cam and crank sensors are problem areas along with wiring with this model so im going to check those shortly (its freezing outside!!!). if this has happened to anyone id appreciate some input! im also going to go check the battery at an auto store because its getting tired, but the charging system is suspect also.the battery reads about 13 v after a charge. i wish i still had my honda . oh and there is no codes!!

[jdl]

If your saying, it runs ok off idle, but doesn't idle very well, then check the idle air system. You might clean the throttle-body and IAC passages, remove the valve, wipe it off. How is your air-filter? When was the last time the old girl had a tune-up? How is the fuel pressure? If you don't have a scanner, you can use a dmm on the 02 sensor circuit, to see what it shows.

[schofell84]

well i checked the fuel pressure and its well ... not there. when you turn the key to the on position the pumps runs but it stays on. i havent found a leak, and it would have to be a big one if i didnt have any pressure in the fuel rail, so im suspecting a bad fuel pump. where does the computer get fuel pressure readings? could the line be plugged? maybe the strainer is full? (hopefully haha) oh but the electrical is still finicky. is there a common problem with this system?

[jdl]

You really need a fuel pressure gage, but, if you cycle the ignition switch and or during cranking, there should be gas at the schrader valve. If there is no gas at the schrader during cranking or initial prime, then your next stop is the fuel filter. You can remove the fuel-filter, is it clogged? With the fuel filter removed, place a piece of fuel line hose on the line coming from the tank, aim the hose into a proper container, cycle the ignition switch, any gas coming out, can you hear the pump? You can tee a fuel pressure gage in there, in place of the filter, to check pressure.

Did you say the pump runs all the time, key on engine off? It shouldn't.

I just wanted to add, anytime you take a fuel line loose, at the filter or anywhere. loosen the connector a little at a time, watch out for pressure. I know you said there was no pressure at the schrader valve,but, it doesn't hurt to be careful.

[Bassasasin]

Pump is running but no pressure...

Bad fuel pump...

First turn on puts a prime in the engine..
CAMshaft sensor controlls the timing on the injectors running.
VATS (Key security) allows the pullses to the injectors.

Sounds like your pressure never gets pressure up.. and/OR your pump is dumping fuel somewhere..


Good Luck

[Luke.]

Fm Bassasasin

CAMshaft sensor controlls the timing on the injectors running.

and, from what I understand, also the spark plugs.

[Bassasasin]

Originally Posted by Luke.

and, from what I understand, also the spark plugs.

NOPE.....
Camshaft sensor is the timing to the PCM for the injector pulses.
I understand the PCM will lengthen the pulse length to richen the fuel.
According to the manual, troubleshooting use is made of completely disconnecting the CAMshaft sensor to see if the engine still runs... It should but not efficiently.

Bass