Engine stops after few seconds running | FerrariChat

Engine stops after few seconds running

Discussion in '308/328' started by dmorihiro, Dec 11, 2009.

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  1. dmorihiro

    dmorihiro Rookie

    Dec 11, 2009
    1
    I have a 328i GTS 1986 that I bought from a lady who had it garaged for 2 years. I replaced the gas, new battery, checked oil/radiator water. I tried to start it up the other day and it runs for a few seconds before dieing. Each subsequent start up lasts less and less. I want to know what could possibly be wrong...the shop manual says that it might be the fuel pump or could it be the fuel accumulator canister. Am I experiencing a vapor lock?

    I would also like to know where I can get Ferrari parts since there is no one local here...Maui, Hawaii, USA.

    Thanks, Dennis
     
  2. mtmilam

    mtmilam Formula Junior

    Oct 24, 2009
    440
    Lafayette, LA
    Full Name:
    Mark Milam
    Mine did that, Also a 86'. The first thing to check is that the Fuel pump Relay is working right. Mine would get warm and Click on, so I thought it was working....but it wasn't making the connection. I removed the relay and used a small jumper wire and my fuel pump fired right up. It was a bad Relay.

    Try the Search on this forum "Fuel Pump", I found a good post with pictures on how to get the fuel pump checked. Basically, there is a blue plug near the air intake, close to the rear of the car,...Unplug this plug and when you turn the key to the ON position, you can hear the fuel pump run, if all the relays and connections are good, without starting the engine.

    If you Dont hear the fuel pump run, leave the the Key "on" and go under the car and put a multimeter on the (+) side of the pump and ground....If you get 12 volts to the pump, but pump is not running...then you need a New Fuel pump........But if No 12 volt to pump....then its either the relay or a connection somewhere.....I was lucky, it was just a relay.

    If you hear the fuel pump run and its still not starting....then it could be a number of things to weed out. ......You want to at least make sure its getting fuel first though. ;)
     
  3. Doug n Terri

    Doug n Terri Rookie

    Mar 12, 2004
    21
    Thousand Oaks, CA
    Full Name:
    Doug Anderson
    OK - your car uses a CIS mechanical injection system. Now I am going WHAYYY out on a limb here - but the system is similar to other CIS systems. With a Porsche - when one runs out of gas (ahem) you remove the air cleaner element. Key on - engine off [KOEO] - reach up into air path and feel the little plate at the end of a balance beam? - push up on the disk and raise it about half an inch. Now we should hear a buzzing sound until the fuel reaches the fuel distributor. That’s the gas system working - Now your car, I believe, when the air filter element is removed you may be able to see the plate - it may move downward. So try the KOEO and press slightly down. Hear anything?
     
  4. David Lind

    David Lind Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2008
    2,248
    Full Name:
    David Lind
    MTMILAM had a great summary of one of the things to check. I've been going bats*#% myself w/ fuel system problems lately! Good luck.
     
  5. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    As for parts, there are a number of good suppliers who can ship parts to you in Hawaii, like Ricambi America, T Rutland, GT Car Parts, Partsource, etc. If you do a Google search for Ferrari parts suppliers, a bunch will come up. Comparison shop, by the way, and check the "sticky" at the tope of the 308/328 forum on cross-references to compatible parts. You can save a lot of money buying parts that don't come in a "Ferrari" box.
     

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