Engine will not stay running

CHUCK JAMES

MEMBER
2001 KIA RIO
1.2L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
180,000 MILES

Engine starts fine runs smooth for about 3 seconds then stalls. I can keep it running if I keep feathering the accelerator, but it's rough. Turn the key on and hear fuel pump run but if I press the needle in the Schrader valve on the fuel rack, I only get a small squirt of fuel and then nothing. Shouldn't fuel continue to flow out the Schrader valve as long as it's held open?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

The fuel pressure is critical, and it sounds like that may be the issue.

However, if the pressure is relieved by the valve, then it may not be able to keep up.

So, let's just start with this and check the pressure when the engine starts and see what it does once it stalls.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Keeping it running with the throttle does not support a fuel issue because by doing that you are only introducing more air. However, when there is more air there is more fuel so we should check the fuel pressure first.

Then we need to move onto the idle air control. On your vehicle this is controlled by the throttle body so we may need to clean the bore and see if that makes an improvement.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run through this and let me know what questions you have.

Thanks

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