Pathy Doesn't always start

[TrailChaser]

Hey everyone.

I'm having some weird problem with the pathy.

When I try to crank it up it won't always start, and never starts right up like it used to. What it does is a really slow chugging start where the engine is turning but not even fast enough to register on the RPM gauge. When/if it actually does spin up to idle speed it sounds great like nothing is wrong at all. Then after a few minutes of warming up the idle starts acting funny. The RPMs will dip really low like it's going to die then jump back up to normal idle speed, but it will eventually dip low enough to just die... When that happens you can forget getting it started again until it has plenty of time to cool off.(not that it's running hot or anything)

 

Things I've done so far:

Changed the plugs, plug wires, dissy cap/rotor, fuel filter(old one was pretty darn clogged), each time I check the codes on the ECU it returns a 55.(no malfunctions)

 

I have some ideas of what it might be, but I don't want to contaminate the knowledge pool. I'd rather hear some fresh ideas. This thing is about to become my families sole means of transportation(if you don't count bicycles. lol) so I'm at the point where I'm running low on patience and high on stress about the situation.

 

Questions for those in the know: What would it be doing if the EGR valve got clogged/went out? What about the PCV valve, or the IAC valve?

 

Bottom line... PLEASE help with this. If you think you might know what the problem is throw it out. I need thing to work and right now I'm worried.

[Dowser]

First question to eliminate some things. When you're cranking it over, is it the engine that's having a hard time getting fired up, or is it the starter sounding like its having a hard time getting the engine to turn over? If its the engine having trouble starting over, then disregard the rest of this.

 

 

My thoughts are on the electrical supply side of things. How are the Battery and Alternator? Could be your battery is no longer holding a decent Charge. That could be due to maybe your alternator not working properly, or just the battery getting old and tired. I know that batteries will charge a very small amount on their own when left to sit if they still have some life left in them but usually discharges quickly. When my battery was on its way out it could crank the vehicle over a few times, but it was like it wasn't cranking it at full potential. Then after it warmed up, shortly after it would just shut down completely. This doesn't sound entirely like what you're experiencing but its something to rule out.

Edited July 25, 2010 by Dowser

[TrailChaser]

Thanks for the reply Dowser, I'm 99% sure it's not the starter/battery. I have an optima and it'll turn over forever.

 

When it stutter starts sometimes it will stop with a puff of vapor that is like a cloud of gas(I jumped out and sniffed it(but not in a huffing manner)lol) coming out of the intake.(the snorkel) Makes me think it's trying to run backwards or something. lol

 

How would it act if the cat is clogged?(I think it's the original. ) I've been dealing with the idle fluctuating problem for a while now and always assumed it was a MAF sensor problem. Now I'm thinking it is most likely the AIC valve after doing some research on here.

 

I've heard of a genie in a bottle, but I wonder if they have mechanic who actually knows his stuff and won't rip you off in a bottle.(I'd buy a case)