My 88, 3.0, auto (142k) is experiencing some start-up problems after reaching normal operating temp's. When I start it up in the morning, it starts fine. I then will drive around and reach normal operating temps. If I shut it off and let it sit for a few minutes and try to restart, it will shutters and act as if it goint to die. I keep my foot in the gas and after aprox. 30 seconds it will clear up and run normal. No check engine and it will idle normal again. Again, this if only after I have reached operating temps and shut it off and let it sit a while. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Martin

 

Martin, someone had a post a few weeks back that sounded REALLY familiar to your prob. I cant remember who it was though. Try a search here, or maybe someone will remember the particulars and respond.

 

I hate to say this, but that sounds like a head gasket that is leaking. It's not completely blown yet, but that is a classic symptom of a failing head gasket.

My .02
Dr. Z

 

I hope it isn't my headgasket. I haven't lost any coolant and the exhaust doesn't smell of coolant. She smells rich whenever it happens, so I am leaning towards a coolant temp switch (cold start injector)or evap canister.

Martin

 

Could it be that you have a lazy o2 sensor? Maybe it's not reading at the first minute or so after you start it, so the engine is richening up(as you stated from your post) and then after approx. 30 sec it sends the info to the ecu and the idle goes back to normal. Just a guess. How old is your sensor anway?

Salue

 

As far as I know the O2 sensor has never been replaced. I am also looking at my cold start injector.

Martin