2001 Chevy Malibu Hard to start

RV LUCKY

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
78,000 MILES

Bought from a tow lot, so not sure of past problems. Crank and tries to start. If you give it throttle while cranking, it starts right away. Rough idle after start up. Had a catalyst code (not sure what the actual code was as my good friend who plugged into it cleared them after reading it) but now no codes are present. Checked fuel pressure and was getting 45-55 with key on and 55-63 while running. After shut down the fuel pressure drops off to near zero, same with just the key cycle. Key on 55, and then it drops off after a few seconds. Any advice?

5 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Fuel pressure should hold at steady for about 5 to 10 minutes after key off or fuel pump off
if not you have an internal leak
check fuel regulator 1st
and check injectors

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 6:22 PM

RV LUCKY

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8 POSTS

Testing procedures for the regulator? And if not the issue, how would I test injectors?

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 10:27 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Disconnect vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator.
Check for present of fuel, if so replace regulator
if not start engine,
With engine idling, apply 12-14 in. Hg of vacuum to fuel pressure regulator.
If fuel pressure does not decrease by 3-10 psi (0.2-0.7 kg/cm2 )
replace regulator

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Friday, September 10th, 2010 AT 6:03 AM

RV LUCKY

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8 POSTS

Did the pressure test, fuel pressure dropped 5psi. Also was suggested to crimp off the fuel lines to see if we still have a drop in pressure. Held steady after key and pump was off till the clamps came off. What next?

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Friday, September 10th, 2010 AT 2:45 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

If have an access to a scanner you can pulsate the injector and check fuel pressure drop per injector

IF don't have an access to a scanner try this
Foot on the gas paddle all the way down and hold it
Key on engine off
Wait a minute or two key off and then on
do it few times
know pinch the fuel line and check if pressure still drop
if it does remove spark plugs and check if fouled with fuel the one that is assume its a bad injector