Starting Problems

[Guest fluffydice]

Hi

 

I need some help with my XR3i 1990 EFI please as it having a problem starting, It takes a few turns of the key to get it started, sometimes 15 to 20 seconds of cranking before it starts. Once it start it seams to be getting enough fuel.

I’ve replaced the fuel filter and the battery is new and fully charged. When I put the ignition on you can hear the pump priming. Then when I turn the engine over it takes a while to start.

 

I don’t know if this is relevant, as its tricky to describe but just before it bursts into life I can hear a sound like a heavy vibrating or an expansion noise then suddenly it starts and runs OK.

 

I am really not sure what it can be. I was thinking it might be the pump but it seams to operate Ok when its running. What about the fuel pressure regulation, dirty fuel lines restricting the fuel or an air leak somewhere etc. I am not familiar with this type of problem so was looking for some pointers from anyone who has experienced this type of issue before.

 

Thanks

Neil

[Guest fluffydice]

Just to try and close this thread down. I discovered the problem was the join between the pump outlet and the metal pipe that leads out of the tank / sender unit. Although the pump had been replaced by another owner before me they had retained the small chamber that pushes onto the pump outlet pipe and then onto this metal pipe. The seal of this chamber was ripped so as the pump was priming etc it was causing fuel to just be pushed past the leak and back into the tank rather than along the fuel line.

 

I removed the leaking chamber and replace it with a length of in-tank fuel hose and some stainless steel fuel hose clips. I ended up replace the other external rubber hoses and hose clips when I was there. Glad I did as the hard plastic fuel line had been crushed by a previous owner as they had over tightened the hose clip.

 

The pump sounds more positive when priming, it starts as it should and it’s improved the throttle response as well. So a good result all round.

 

Hope this helps someone else.