[quadraphonic]

1995 Escort LX - 1.9 SEFI Auto

Since the hot weather started, I've been having some problems starting my car. The first start of the day is easy, however when I stop the engine for about 10 minutes to an hour, it will not start. It turns over, but nothing.

So its either fuel or spark and I'm thinking its a fuel problem. So what I do and works is (most of the time) turn the key to the "On-Off-On-Off-On-Off" several times before I turn over the engine. And the fuel pump will start with a fast whine, and then as the fuel pressure builds up, it will get slower... and if I do the key sequence again, I'll hear some 'gurgling' noise from the tank.

Does anyone have any clue what the problem could be?

PS: After the engine has warmed up, when the engine is under load (especially with warmer weather) I'll hear these little ticking noises. Could it be detonation?

Thanks in advance.

Jason

 

[siragan]

First thing to check for is the spark plugs- just pull em out, check for fouled plugs, and check the gap. It's quick and easy, it's probably not the problem, but it's a good maintenance thing to do, and it's one less thing to worry about.

So once you get spark somewhat out of the way, you can concentrate on fuel. It sounds like a fuel problem. Can't go wrong with changing the fuel filter if it's been a while. It sounds like your fuel pump may be crapping out on ya. Does the fuel gauge read incorrectly? Jack the car up and double check to make sure you aren't getting any leaks or corrosion on the fuel lines.

The ticking noise is valve float or something. My mom's 1.9L 5sp LX wagon has the same problem. It's almost like a rattling sound. It usually happens under load, in hot weather, at high throttle positions at low rpm. It doesn't sound quite like detonation, but I know what you're talking about. I've tried higher octance fuel and that didn't do anything, so I'm led to believe that it's something in the valve train.

 

[chadgore]

check your coolant temp sensor.

 

[quadraphonic]

check your coolant temp sensor.

Okay, coolant temperature sensor? Which one? The one that feeds the computer or the gauge? Any why? Because my gauge always reads way below C. And it was reading 1/3 when it almost overheated?!

Okay, I'll check the spark plugs and see how they're doing. I was planning on replacing the fuel filter anyway, and might check the fuel pressure and see what's going on.

Jason

 

[kikoy]

coolant temp sensor aloong w/ MAF and the IAT is somewhat responsible in making your car idle(mine crapped out when my coolant temp sensor went bad and made my exhast manifold glow when i was using my car and it was duping out too much fuel....)

 

[fixitmattman]

Mine did that exactly for a few months before my ignition switch crapped out. When I changed my switch (after it blew up) it never did it again.

Matt 8)