starting problems

[EvaUnit01]

This has happened about 3 times now, the last 2 times were in february, and the last was last night. It was kinda humid outside at about 8pm in virginia. I had my windows down as well b/c it actually wasnt too bad, i guess you could say. But at 930 i go to start my car and it doesnt start the first time. it just cranks but wont start. All i have done to the engine is an intake and exhaust. my car has about 19000 miles and it's a base 5speed rsx. Any help?

[esmith13]

1) when you put in your key - do you flip it instantly to "start" or do you leave it at "on" for a second or two before starting?

I ask this because our in tank fuel pump takes a second or two to prime the 10ft of fuel line between it and the injectors.


2) what grade gas do you use 90% of the time? How low do you let your tank get before refueling?

I ask this because you may have sediments in you injectors - it may be time to run 1 tank of the highest octane you can get plus a bottle of "injector cleaner" in the tank. This would also help if a buildup of carbon deposits in the manifold was part of your problem


3) Do you know what condition your spark plugs are in? It may be time for you to change them.

Your plugs can begin to fail and your car still drive ok. Starting it up is hardest on them and problems with this can be your first sign of a worn out plug.


4) Have you checked your oil level recently?

Running low on oil makes starting very hard and running in gereral more labersome and of course dangerous for your engine.


Those are by best basic checks. Those things could all be part of the problem regardless of what mods you have or how good or bad you treat your car.

Let us know how it goes.


Eric

[EvaUnit01]

- I think i tried to instantly start it so that may have been a problem.

- I usually use 89 octane, last week i tried 93 and i usually fill up around 1/4 tank left. After every oil change i put in fuel injector cleaner.

- I havent checked the spark plugs recently but i may do that soon.

- I also haven't checked the oil either, i'm due for a change in the next 1100 miles but it wouldnt hurt to check either.

[esmith13]

Good deal. Your plugs SHOULDN'T be bad unless your alot closer to 100,000mi than I am. ;) But it's worth checking if the "quick start" thing isn't your problem.

As for injector cleaner - maybe someone else here can comment but I thought you shouldn't use that stuff unless you NEED it. I was under the impression the stuff in it can eat away at the injector itself if it's clean already.

It's like using old school acid based drain cleaners. It's ok when you HAVE to use it, but if you keep using it alot - especially when their no clog in the drain the acid eats the pipe away.

Eric

[EvaUnit01]

Well the stuff i use actually is only supposed to be used every 4-5000 miles (forgot about that) And from what i have been told and heard, using them is alright b/c it helps remove the gum on the injectors from slow or lots of stop and go driving (which i do in VA sometimes.) You should only use one bottle for the recommended time frame and no more as using too much of the cleaner can damage the fuel lines but not the injectors themselves.

[speedking604]

same problem happend to me 3 months ago.....take it to the dealer and they will be happy to fix it.i took my car to the dealer and it took them one hour to fix it. since then it never happens again.

[EvaUnit01]

May have to try that, i havent had any problems so far, i waited 2-3 seconds and it starts fine everytime now.

[Bificus]

I used to see that problem all the time when I left work only. So I realised I was busting out of work ready to leave and quickly jumped in the car switched the ignition and it just spun over. I noticed the key light not flashing. So next time if it happens look at the dash and see if the key is illuminated.

[t_elliot2001]

You need to get a complete fuel system cleaning kit (BG makes the best one around as far as I have seen). Also, ESmith13 is right, you shouldn't use injector cleaner at every fill up. It should be used on an as needed basis, That stuff has alot of nasty chemicals in it and those chemicals tend to mess with not only the injectors themselves but can also eat away at your fuel lines. This corrosion can also clog your injectors down the road. Every 10 - 15 K miles is when I recommend a fuel system service. Just my humble opinion.

[vertigus]

holy dead thread batman!