Engine wont start without starter fluid

Tiny
56VETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 300,000 MILES
Engine only starts with starter fluid. Then runs very rough getting worse the longer its running or the hotter it gets. When it gets really bad I have to pump the accelerator rapidly. To keep it barely running. I installed a new fuel pump and filter 1 year ago this month. Also shortly before it started doing this I used some sort of fuel treatment/injector cleaner.
Saturday, July 27th, 2013 AT 12:55 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,182 POSTS
If you need starting fluid to start it, it is a fuel related problem. The first thing I would recommend is to check the fuel pump pressure. Based on your description, it sounds weak or what I call a lazy pump. Basically, it can't produce the pressure to start the engine but will try to keep it running after started.

If you need directions, go to our homepage under the DIY section. There you will find directions and a video to guide you through checking the fuel pump pressure.

Let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

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