I have a 92 Grand Prix 3

Tiny
COVERLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 80,000 MILES
I have a 92 Grand Prix 3.1 that used to start like a dream until I had it stored for two years. Upon coming out of storage, it needed a fuel pump and filter to get it running and it's been a hard starter ever since. A local shop installed the pump and filter.

I pump the accelerator pedal numerous times (10 and then crank the engine, usually another 4 or 5 pumps of the accelerator between cranking attempts) then it starts and car runs fine for the duration of the drive.

If I go back to start it warm (after setting a half hour for example), it starts fine but after several hours or overnight in this fall weather, it's the same hard start so I'm currently hoping the techron fuel system cleaner will have a positive impact but am looking ahead to the next step, just in case. I'm running the fuel system/injector cleaner just in case there's old varnish inside fuel lines, etc. Years ago, best advice probably would have been 'change the carb' and that may have resolved the problem but now with fuel injection. Stumped.

It's a bit of a nuisance to start after setting but otherwise runs fine but I'd sure like to get it back to where it used to be which was turn the key to start and off she goes (or a single pump of the accelerator pedal worst case).

Thanks for any pointers. Also, I tried to make a donation through Paypal and was kicked back here with some sort of technical error so am posting this as a free question. Can you post a link for donations?
Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 1:41 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Pumping the pedal does nothing.

Start with fuel pressure check. What is the exact fuel pressure?

Roy
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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 2:00 AM
Tiny
COVERLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Pumping the accelerator *seems* to be helpful but perhaps you're right.

Don't know what the pressure is and have never checked it on this car. I might call the garage tomorrow and ask where they purchased the pump and mention the starting problem (as well as inquire if they by chance checked the pressure when they installed the pump). How many PSI should the pump put out? Thanks
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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
COVERLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
I read on another site, 40.5 to 47psi with engine off but key on. Sound right?

Odd part is, as I mentioned the car runs just fine once it starts and warms up for a minute.
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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 AT 2:50 AM

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