I need help trouble shooting his 96 TA.

100% stock.
After sitting at work for 8 hours his car won't start right up. He smells fuel when he pops the hood. The car cranks but it won't fire up. Then after a while it will start up just fine. I took the coil off and replaced it. I also took the icm up to parts store to have it tested and it tested fine. I don't think its the opti because when the car starts it runs just fine all the way through the rpm band? It only seems to happen when it has been sitting out all day and he trys to start it a night????

Any help would be great. I would like to get the codes but my freescan won't work on his.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

Sounds like a spark/ignition issue, so you're on the right track. Check all of the wires and change the plugs. Also check for leaky injectors.

 

Sounds more fuel related than ignition. I agree with checking fuel pressure.

 

I was wondering if the the fuel pressure regulator was going bad. He hears the fuel pump prime and he does smell gas. I will have to see if i can come up with a fuel pressure gauge.

 

If he's smelling gas, he's got a leak somewhere. If you can't see the leak, then it's most likely an injector.

 

I just thought that if he smelled fuel, then it should be there, but they are correct. If you don't have enough fuel pressure, you could smell fuel and it just won't start. If the fuel pressure is low, change the filter first, then start looking at other things.

 

I was going to change the filter for him first but I just seems weird that it works perfert anytime but after it has been sitting outside in the day.

 

If he's got a leaky injector, then all the fuel pressure is bleeding off and one cylinder (if not more) is going to be full of fuel. It would take a little bit of time for it to bleed down and would make it harder to start. Just an idea.

 

Well that would be alot better than having to change his opti out. But arent injectors expensive? Anyone know of a good test so i can confirm the leaky injector theory?

Thanks for all of the replys