Our 80 won't start...

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Mtbcoach

Mtbcoach

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Threads
179
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4,391
Location
Carolina Beach NC
Brianna has had trouble starting the 80 a couple times but now we can't get it started at all. The time I was present, once it started, it smelled heavy of gas as it stumbled to start.

Now, I tried started fluid, pulled a plug to check spark (yes), it looked wet from gas, EFI fuse good, just turns over, wanting to start but stumbles to a stop.

Considering the exhaust seal between the two cats is bad as I witnessed as much exhaust spewing from there as was coming from the end of the exhaust. This makes me wonder if the cat is blocked.

It ran fine before she shut it off before the storm, wah...:confused:
 
I would assume the spark plug was wet from repeatedly trying to start it and possible flooding.

Does it have any engine codes stored? I would think it would have several under this circumstance. I would start by checking the codes, recording them, and clearing them.

If you think the cats are an issue (which I sorta doubt since few of us have replaced them) you could try pulling the front O2 sensor to let it "breathe". From memory, I think the nuts are hard to reach from the top and you will want to be careful since they are probably well fused together. Just a thought though.

In the repair manual, under engine diagnostics (DI-19), it says that if the engine does not start (but cranks) or stalls to inspect the fuel pump control circuit (DI-119).
 
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kinda the stupid simple option but....... is the air intake hose cracked?

+seems like an incorrect metering or a fuel delivery issue if it starts, uses what fuel it has then starvs
+there are a few FSM test to check the fuel pump in the tank (access hatch under the second row seats) look at the sock filter if you go in there
+The fuel pump relay that switches from 6v to 12v after initial start up can be jumpered, but it doesnt sound like your problem. Just to check it is in the driver side inner fender up in the hole behind the booster/under the hood strut.
+fuel pressure isnt so easy to check, you have to attach a banjo fitting style coupler to the fuel rail :( or have an SST

just thinking out loud here

She wasnt doing donuts at redline before shuttn her down was she :D
 
If she was, I'd be semi-proud since she drives very conservatively.

Can't hear the fuel pump come on with key on. I've been wading through the various threads with similar symptoms. My biggest issue now is that I don't own the FSM for this thing...
 
I have had a somewhat similar issue lately. Mine still starts and runs but exhaust smells of fuel and at start up is a little black. I have researched at nauseum and i have found a few things i am going to do which prob needed to be done as PM when i took over the truck anyway:

Coolant TEmp Sensor-from what i read this thing going bad can make it run rich
New Gas Cap-Surprisingly quite a few people did this and said it made all the difference
Fuel PRessure Regulator-
New Air filter
Charcoal Cannister
New plugs and wires

I would be interested to see what you find.
 
Seems like the 1FZ seems to be the common denominator in all your guys problems :flipoff2: 3FE powa


Anyway it could easily be a huge vacuum leak as J already said with a cracked intake. Sounds like it could be the fuel pump but if the plug is wet from it then most likely it isn't the culprit.
 
Too further complicate things, I tried it "one last time" and it fired right up in a HUGE plume of white, heavy gas smelling smoke/steam. I ran around as it started to check it out.

Exact same thing happened at least twice before that I've seen, who knows how many times it may have happened to Brianna. Once before after a really heavy rain, making me assume something got wet, fine after other wet days. Another time when really cold, not wet.

Clearly, I'll need to give it some love and do some in-depth troubleshooting over the weekend...
 
um.... theres no fluid (coolant) in # 6 is there? lets hope not
might try the "bubble test"
 
Quick test inconclusive. Didn't observe any bubbles in coolant, still puffs white smoke when warm on throttle "blip". Have to head to work, will pull the plug on #6 tomorrow.

I'll be stupid/smart and take the bike. It's cold, could find ice but better than damaging the 80 just to be warm...
 
If it starts now, I would still check for stored codes. If you don't have a reader you can run it over to Autozone.

Also, if you would like, you can borrow my repair manual. I can also check the codes for you... I can give you a call later to discuss.

One other thought if this is related to wet weather, I would check the distributor cap for cracks, good seal, moisture inside, etc. It's cheap to replace the cap and rotor and probably due if you haven't done it yet.
 
Thanks Clint.

I'll hit the Autozone tomorrow and have them check for codes as well as see if I can borrow the "block test kit" as seen in other threads. Uses the fluid that changes color if exposed to gases from the combustion chamber.

It was a cool ride into work and I'll be dodging icy spots on the way home but not so bad now that I have some decent riding gear...
 
Jerry I have the FSM stored electronically, I can send it to you zipped up, hand deliver on usb key, whatever. I even put it on my phone in case I'm away from home and need it.

Otherwise, I have no meaningful suggestions beyond what's been suggested. :(
 
little_joe said:
Jerry I have the FSM stored electronically, I can send it to you zipped up, hand deliver on usb key, whatever. I even put it on my phone in case I'm away from home and need it.

Otherwise, I have no meaningful suggestions beyond what's been suggested. :(
Click to expand...

Joe can you send it to me..... I need it for the parts truck on a few things.
bigalj25@sbcglobal.net
 
Also check the grounds to the ignitor/coil on the drivers fender. That one just cost me a bunch of money on a stupid remote start system that I never got my install money back out of. To bad as I really liked the thing. Guy at work is having the same problem as you right now. Wasn't his fuel pump or any of the tuneup stuff as that was just done 5K ago.

while checking you willl see a drop from 12V down to well less than that I (I got around 4). Ask if she has any stalling/stumbling issues while driving (especially around idle).
 
addicted56 said:
Also check the grounds to the ignitor/coil on the drivers fender. That one just cost me a bunch of money on a stupid remote start system that I never got my install money back out of. To bad as I really liked the thing. Guy at work is having the same problem as you right now. Wasn't his fuel pump or any of the tuneup stuff as that was just done 5K ago.

while checking you willl see a drop from 12V down to well less than that I (I got around 4). Ask if she has any stalling/stumbling issues while driving (especially around idle).
Click to expand...

Good suggestions, thanks. She says no problems and only start issues were the ones I know about, mornings after cold/wet nights. But, not every cold/wet night.

Isn't troubleshooting fun...
 
OK heres another idea......

and actually it matches spot on to an experience concrete had, as well as myself

After a good rain or washing we have both experienced hard start and stumble and both times there was water down the spark plug tubes???? So try pulling all of your plugs and letting them air out for a bit. Sometimes its the simple stuff.
 
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