Warm Start Problem and Slow Down light - related?? | FerrariChat

Warm Start Problem and Slow Down light - related??

Discussion in '308/328' started by Loudoun_Prime, Apr 14, 2024.

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  1. Loudoun_Prime

    Loudoun_Prime Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 10, 2020
    47
    Aldie, VA
    Full Name:
    Doug Magee
    My 1987 328GTS has a couple of issues I've been unable to resolve. The first is a warm start problem. It starts fine cold and starts fine hot after just shutting it off and then back on, but let it sit for 30 mins to an hour and it takes a few cranks to get it started. It also has the slow down light on all the time. Not sure if these issues could be related or not? Attempting to correct the warm start issue, I replaced the accumulator and the check valve on the fuel pump - this made no difference. Separately I have also cleaned all the injectors and replaced the o-rings on them. I've read lots of posts on forums but thought maybe it's time to ask...so any advice is much appreciated.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,842
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    You should (and should've) measure the fuel pressure after engine shutoff to see if the residual fuel pressure falling to quickly is what is actually causing the warm restart problem or not. In addition to the two most common causes that you have already addressed, the third possible cause is a bad o-ring seal inside the fuel pressure regulator that can also cause the residual fuel pressure to fall too quickly -- but make the measurement!

    Completely unrelated (and a false signal as a cat can't overheat instantly). Most likely a bad warning light ECU, but can also be caused by bad thermocouple connection(s) or an internally "open" thermocouple.
     
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  3. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    Nov 1, 2005
    4,193
    Canada
    The slow down light is related to the thermocouple which in turn connects to an ECU. You can remove the thermocouple from the cat and use a brass wire brush to clean it up, it can have deposits caked on that apparently can alter the readings. Also put some Deoxit on the wire connector that connects it to the slow down ECU.

    In my owners manual it notes that when starting the car when hot, you have to slightly press the accelerator. This is because the throttle position sensor on the throttle body has a different signal sent to the main fuel injection ECU when the car is at rest and started cold. When starting hot, you want the TPS to be just off its rest position. The TPS can be out of adjustment, it slightly twists on its two mounting screws to be set up such that a very slight click is heard just off idle. You can check this by moving the throttle body lever on the throttle body (engine off), and test for that click just as it is moved from rest position.

    May not be your problem, but easy to check.
     
  4. Loudoun_Prime

    Loudoun_Prime Rookie
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    Jul 10, 2020
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    Aldie, VA
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    Doug Magee
    Thanks all and thanks Steve! Is it this thing? If I find the fuel pressure regulator to be the problem, do I need to replace the whole thing or just the o-ring?
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,842
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #5 Steve Magnusson, Apr 21, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2024
    No -- that's the Pulsation Damper. The fuel pressure regulator is part of the fuel distributor on the K-Jet system. See this thread for pictures/descriptions:

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/148352872/

    Post #9 has a good picture of this damaged o-ring.

    Did you actually measure the fuel pressure at warm engine shut-off and confirm the fuel pressure is dropping too quickly?
     
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  6. Loudoun_Prime

    Loudoun_Prime Rookie
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    Jul 10, 2020
    47
    Aldie, VA
    Full Name:
    Doug Magee
    Thanks Steve - I still have to get a fuel pressure gauge. Will report back on this post once done.
     

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