Not starting, cutting out at idle

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ChrisW
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Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by ChrisW » Sat Mar 26, 2016 1:24 pm

(91 Trans Am, 5.0 TPI LB9)

Went for a short drive Monday evening. When I got back the engine cut out as I was parking up (it would only have been idling). Turning the key started it straight up again.

Next time I tried using the car was Thursday morning and I just couldn't get the engine to start. Tried again Friday and it eventually started after many attempts. I left it idling (noticed the revs were occasionally dipping) and it cut out after a few minutes, but again I was able to start it straight up again. I didn't drive it anywhere.

Today it's back to not starting again. I've ordered new ignition components - ICM, distributor cap, rotor, coil, wires, spark plugs. I've got a new fuel filter but can't fit it until I manage to get the car onto the drive. Could the fuel pump be failing? I know there's a test valve on the fuel rail but I don't have a gauge to hook up to it.

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cowboy1sf
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by cowboy1sf » Sun Mar 27, 2016 3:03 pm

My 92 did this one day when I took her out, its turned out to be the distributor cap & rotor. replaced and all was good again. I noticed also that when it rained water runs down all over the distributor on the 92 so had a little plastic thing made up to keep it dry. Don't know if the 91 has the same issue? :usa:


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ChrisW
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by ChrisW » Sun Mar 27, 2016 7:13 pm

Mine's got a plastic piece that matches the shape of the intake plenum and covers the distributor cap - I thought that was standard on all TPIs? Still, I'll replace the cap and rotor anyway as I don't know how old they are.

I replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the throttle body and idle control valve. It started up and idled fine afterwards. Not sure if it's "fixed" - I'll see how it behaves over the next week. Fingers crossed!

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cowboy1sf
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by cowboy1sf » Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:05 pm

I don't know if the cover is standard as mine at the time didn't have one. hope you get it sorted with minimal cost! :thumb:


GET OFF MY LAWN!!
{BIG C}
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ChrisW
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by ChrisW » Mon Mar 28, 2016 12:46 pm

Well today it started fine, then stalled when I put it in reverse to get off the drive. It did that a couple of times but was alright after a few minutes warming up in Park.

New ignition components should be here by the weekend. Hopefully that fixes it!

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cowboy1sf
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by cowboy1sf » Mon Mar 28, 2016 2:55 pm

fingers crossed, let us know the out come


GET OFF MY LAWN!!
{BIG C}
Owner of the Black Pimpernel

ChrisW
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Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:43 pm
Membership No: 15-C010
Year: 1991
Model: Trans Am
Engine: 305
Name: Chris Ward
Location: Cambridgeshire
Contact:

Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by ChrisW » Tue Apr 05, 2016 6:47 pm

I started installing my new ignition components at the weekend:

- Spark plugs (who decided it was a good idea to hide them under the exhaust manifolds? :-x )
- Spark plug wires
- Ignition coil

Then I took off the old distributor cap and found that a chunk had broken off the reluctor (is that the right word?) on the top of the distributor. So a new distributor is on the way from RockAuto!

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cowboy1sf
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by cowboy1sf » Wed Apr 06, 2016 7:11 am

Thought it would be that. A least you know now.


GET OFF MY LAWN!!
{BIG C}
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ChrisW
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Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:43 pm
Membership No: 15-C010
Year: 1991
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Engine: 305
Name: Chris Ward
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Contact:

Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by ChrisW » Wed Apr 06, 2016 3:20 pm

The advice seems to be to ensure that cylinder 1 is at TDC before replacing the distributor. Is that necessary or can I just note the position of the rotor arm and ensure the new one is installed the same way? Obviously I'll still have to adjust the timing afterwards.

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cowboy1sf
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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by cowboy1sf » Wed Apr 06, 2016 4:27 pm

I just noted the position of the rotor arm didn't even have to do the timing seem to run fine, but i did take it for a service and a tune a week later just in case to make sure all was spot on. They did say the timing was a wee bit off when they tuned her up


GET OFF MY LAWN!!
{BIG C}
Owner of the Black Pimpernel

ChrisW
POC Newbie
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:43 pm
Membership No: 15-C010
Year: 1991
Model: Trans Am
Engine: 305
Name: Chris Ward
Location: Cambridgeshire
Contact:

Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by ChrisW » Tue Apr 19, 2016 8:51 pm

Well the new distributor has fixed my starting and running problems, but seems to have given me a new oil leak. I used a new Fel-Pro gasket on it but oil is still finding a way out, just where the distributor shaft enters the intake manifold. Maybe I need to pull it out and reseat it again?

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Re: Not starting, cutting out at idle

Post by bhm1712 » Thu Apr 21, 2016 1:34 pm

Pull it out and use some RTV silicone on the gasket to seal it up.
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