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2004 Chevy Optra Strting problem!

Tiny
CHAPPI
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET OPTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
Hi, I've a Chevy Optra 1.6 with a strange starting problem. In the mornings I've to try couple of times to get the engine running. It always cranks but starts only after 4-5 tries of long cranking. Once started, it will run smoothly and this problem goes away. If the vehicle 'cools off' for couple of hours it will show the same problem. I got the ECM checked and the technician advised me to change the fuel pump, but the problem remains. So far I've changed the plugs, fuel filter and added injector cleaner to fuel but nothing helped. Now he is suggesting that the timing belt 'may' be the problem! Is he ripping me off? Is there something else I need to check. Now the ECM hasn't registered any errors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 12:55 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Forget the timing belt if its the problem I don't think it will start or run smooth-Have the coolant temperature sensor, fuel pump relay and oil pressure switch checked and tested to include a fuel pressure check-
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 1:16 AM
Tiny
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  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the quick reply,

I've already checked the Fuel Pressure (when the pump was replaced ) check came clean! He is now checking coolant temperature sensor, fuel pump relay and oil pressure. Will update once the results arrive.
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 1:33 AM
Tiny
2 LINSEY
  • MECHANIC
  • 287 POSTS
We appreciate your donation and look forward to helping you in the future. Thank you
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 AT 12:42 PM
Tiny
CHAPPI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks, I finally got it fixed, apparently coolant was getting into cylinder1 due to a deformed cylinder head and making it hard to start(quoting the technician ). That explained why the problem was going away once the engine starts. The repair was expensive OMR 350 (roughly 900 US$) but I got it fixed. Now I have another problem (this Chevy is becoming expensive to maintain). Now it shakes slightly while idling, the shaking is very slight but you definitely feel it. It does it on both gears (N and D) It goes away once the car starts to move. Could this be an engine mount problem? How can I identify an engine mount issue?
I should admit that I usually pull away quickly from a signal - can this cause the engine mounts to become weak. I acquired the car when it did 55,000 (KMS) and now it has done 74,000 (KMS) - so for the last 20K I've been mistreating it.

Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 3:25 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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You sure its shaking or misfiring that's causing it-rather than a worn or loose engine mounts-To check it-you have to be underneath closely observing or tightening all the mounts and see what happens-
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 3:55 AM
Tiny
CHAPPI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It is not misfiring, checked all the plugs and coils etc. If it is a misfiring, will it happen only when idling? - In my case the shaking goes away as the car starts to move. And I've noticed that the rpm is just above 1000 when idling - shouldn't it be in the range of 800-900? A service is due in 1000 kms and according to technician it won't harm the engine to drive like this until then, is it true? Thanks
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Clean the idle air control valve could be sticking. I don't recommend you driving it might end up causing another problem-
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 3:04 PM

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