rhys

From time to time, and there seems to be no pattern to it (cool weather or warm, sitting overnight or for 10 minutes, full tank of gas or nearly empty), I can't get my 82 to start. The engine turns over well, the oil pressure rises when cranking. I'll crank it several times, turn it off and wait a few minutes, then try again. Then eventually it starts. It lugs a bit before really catching, I really have to baby the throttle, then she runs fine. There's no smoke out the exhaust and no unusual gas smell. Any thoughts?

1982 US model, AT, 100K miles, daily driver (mostly in-town).

sharkmeister85

I'd start by looking at the fuel system. Maybe a fuel pump going bad or the relay? Have you ruled those out yet?
Glenn

PorKen

Sounds like the cold start injector is not firing. Might be the thermo-time switch, it's the sensor on the coolant bridge, facing forward (the sensor facing up is the Temp II). It gets power only while cranking, and times out in 7 secs or less, depending on engine temp.

rhys

Would this also cause the problem when the engine is warm, or hot?

rhys

The problem continues and now there is a slight smell of gasoline after the car finally starts.