My '94 850 non-turbo with over 350K miles runs great and almost always starts up immediately. Twice in the last two months I had the following problem:

- car fires on first start attempt then dies immediately
- when i try it again, the starter cranks but engine wont fire
- I try repeatedly, but no dice
- car has VERY strong spark, and I'm getting sufficient fuel - even changed fuel reg, after first time
- I add on my car starter to give it a boist, but again no start
- try some quick start, still nothin.

Each time i figured it was getting a bit flooded, so I pull the plugs and clean them up (they get fouled with carbon quickly, I think due to the high mileage) push some air into cylinders and let her dry out.

I then let her sit for a day, still wont start, but after multiple attempts of cranking it - and I mean turning the starter for like 30sec at a clip and shoving quick start in, I get her to run. Then it goes back to running perfectly and is nothing ever happened, very solid idle, great pick up, etc.

I've taken great car of this car and it is fully tuned at least once a year, no engine codes are triggered, fuel pump is pumping, all filters clean, egr valve cleaned, plugs, wires, cap etc. all good. All vacuum lines replaced over time, no apparent air leaks.

Could it be some starter issue? I never have replaced the starter, as it does seem to crank the engine ok but after so many miles and 17yrs, is it time to replace? Maybe the solenoid is not engaging properly?Any other suggestions?

thanks, appreciate your thoughts.
mark

Hi,
this sounds very much like "lawn mover syndrom" caused by old and unreliable fuel pump relay. replace it ($50) and hope for the best.
Tapsa

You are over working this problem. As Al said, your starter is fine.

The next time this happens, turn off the radio and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to position II. If you do not hear it prime for a second or two, suspect the fuel pump relay. It is #103 under the fuse tray.

Try NOT to drive around with 15/87 jumpered with a paper clip. It gets very hot!!! Besides, if you have an accident, the pump will not turn off until the key is turned off - potential fire hazard.

Klaus
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

Going to go out on a limb and say it is not your starter. 17 years? The one in my 145 is 42 years. If it's cranking, it's likely ok.

I'd start by checking the fuel pressure when cranking and running - should be around 40-45 psi. Check it with a fuel pressure gauge.

"and I'm getting sufficient fuel"
How do you know?

How about flaky fuel pump relay? Try the paper clip jumper. Klaus helped me with this a couple months ago.

Starting and dying immediately is a bad relay symptom as the pressure in the fuel system remaining from the last time the car ran will start the car but if the pump is not running it dies right away.

"remove the fuel pump relay #103 and jumper 15/87 with a paper clip".

I drove for a couple weeks with the paper clip in place of the relay. No one recommended this but (a) I needed the car to run while waiting for new part to arrive and (b) I wanted to see if it would work.

It is easy to do and will confirm or rule out the relay.

Terry