1990 Buick Lesabre wont start

[stlysmack]

I have a 1990 Buick Lesabre, up until last week this car runs like a brand new car. I started having trouble getting it started, then it wouldn't start at all. t wants to start but won't turn over, sprayed some ether in the injecters and the car started right up. Drove the car all day , later that evening went to start it and it wont start again. While it was running it ran great. Any ideas on what the problem could be. Im a single mom and really need my car. I am also pretty handy with repairs. Just put a new starter on the car myslf. I just need to be guided in the right direction.
Thanks

[maxwedge]

When it won't start check fuel pressure at the rail, you need about 35-40 psi. Good work on the starter BTW, pretty tight spot to get at. Post back results.

[stlysmack]

I forgot , I recently had a gas leak from the line, I had fix that. Could that have effected the fuel pressure.

[maxwedge]

Whether it did or not, ( could be kinked if rubber?), still need to test it.

[Mickey#1]

You may have a weak ignition coil that's not giving you a hot enough spark to fire the rich fuel mixture caused by the very cold weather we've been having. Try the test in the following link:
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com...hp?f=48&t=1683

Let us know the results.

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by stlysmack

I have a 1990 Buick Lesabre, up until last week this car runs like a brand new car. I started having trouble getting it started, then it wouldn't start at all. t wants to start but won't turn over, sprayed some ether in the injecters and the car started right up.

You possibly could have a spark problem, but because the ether helped get it started I suspect fuel pump. When you turn the key on when it doesn't want to start, do you hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds? You possibly have a dying fuel pump which isn't turning or isn't putting out enough pressure and volume. If it won't start, hit the underside of the fuel tank with a rubber mallet or something similar to vibrate the pump while something cranks the motor, which may make it start working--temporarily.

[stlysmack]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I think that the fuel pump is dying, sometimes I hear it and somtimes I don't. I usually attempt to do all the repairs on the Bucik myself, however I am assuming that a fuel pump is going to be a real pain and its like blow zero outside. Will it be enough to just drop the tank to change the fuel pump or do I need to take it all the way off.
Thanks again

[Mickey#1]

The fuel pump only runs for a couple seconds when the key is turned to the run position so it can be hard to tell if its running or not. Advance auto parts loans out tools, you should see if they loan out a fuel pressure tester. I think they sell for $35 - $40. You should also check the driver's side ground bus (the fuel pump grounds there) before replacing the fuel pump.

[jbjslambert]

if you can hear it sometimes and other times not, what about the fuel pump relay?

[imidazol97]

If you can get a fuel pressure gauge, connect it, and if the hose is long enough it to the windshield with duct tape and watch it while driving. That will catch the transient pump failure.