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Brick Riders,
I have had a nagging starting problem with my 88' 240 wagon, +200K for the last three years. I have searched this site in the past and posted related questions, but was unable to find the "pearl of wisdom" to solve my problem. I am posting this information to possibly help others wearing similar shoes, and living with car starting frustration.
I inherited the car from my son who moved on to a Subaru, that starts reliably. The issue has been hard starting, but not all the time. On very cold (10degrees or less F) mornings the car would start quickly by fully depressing the accelerator. On milder mornings it might start without touching the pedal. After running the car would usually start easily, but not always. It stranded my son several times and challenged my patience. The symptoms always included fuel soaked spark plugs. The car might start after changing the set of plugs out. Not fun when you want to go home after work and its 20 degrees out.
I first thought the problem might be due to a weak spark. I replaced the usual suspects, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, Hall sensor, ignition computer and maybe others. Summer comes and starting is easier, but still a problem. I don't drive the car much in the summer as it is motorcycle riding time.The problem continued but I'm not driving it. I also changed out the fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump check valve, and had the injectors cleaned using an ultrasonic process. Still inconsistent starting.
Well I had another recent no start experience this February after work. It took a set of plugs, battery jumping, and a lot of starter grinding to get it going. I'm not amused and ready to throw this Brick after years of Bricking. I'm thinking spark problems again but figure I'd look at the fuel system again too. I pulled the fuel rail with the injectors attached (three 10mm bolts, easy)after running the car for a while and building up fuel pressure. I then placed the injectors in pill bottles while remaining connected to the rail. The idea was to catch any fuel that might leak from an injector. Sure enough there is just a little fuel in one of the bottles. Tried it again after reconnecting the injectors, running the car, and pulling the rail/injectors a second time. Just a few drops of fuel in one of the bottles. Changed the injector out with a spare and voila, easy starting for the past five days. I am in Brick utopia! Fuel has been leaking into the manifold and the system losing pressure after sitting over-night, leading to starting problems.
So if you are experiencing hard starting, and your plugs are getting soaked with fuel, check those injectors! I still don't like the look of the spark but it starts and runs, so it must be enough.
Good luck & driving on...
Bill N.
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