From the EF (Engine Fuel) & EC (Emission Control System) section - Diagnostic
Procedure #5 / Hard to Start or Impossible to Start when Engine is Hot:
** Fuel Pressure - Squeeze the line coming out of the filter and to the engine when
cranking the car. You should feel pressure. No = Check the fuel pump and it's circuit. Yes
= Continue
** Check Fuel Vapor - Disconnect fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose and plug the hose.
Can you start the engine? Yes = Check fuel properties (don't know what this actually
means) No = continue
** Check Injector - Remove crank angle sensor (distributor) from engine. Be sure to
note the location and orientation of the rotor before taking the CAS out of the engine. It
needs to go back the same way (Crank angle sensor harness connector should remain
connected) Disconnect ignition coil harness connector. Turn ignition switch on (Do not
start engine) When rotating crank angle senor shaft (distributor), does each injector make
an operating sound? No = Check injectors and circuit. Yes = Continue
** Check Ignition Spark - Disconnect ignition wire from installed spark plug. Connect a
good known spark plug to the ignition wire. Place end of spark plug against a suitable
ground and crank engine. Check spark. No Good = Check ignition coil, power
transistor unit, and circuits. Yes = Continue
Check ECU Harness Connector
Check ECU Power Supply and Ground Circuit.
Basically, what's being looked at here is if the engine is getting fuel, the injectors are
injecting and the spark is sparking. The ECU part is standard fare in diagnosing our car.
As complicated as this seems, with the rest of the manual for reference, it's not that
tough. Seriously, you've heard us rant about a Factory manual. We know they're a bit
pricy, but, damn!, what better an investment in you and your car can you make!?!
A&W
[email protected]
'91 s13