Big Problem!!!

[Rba007]

Alright, here is what Ive done recently:
-Installed Jet module (everything soldered, and installed correctly)
-Installed New 160 amp alternator

Here is my problem:
Occasionally, when I go to start my car, it will crank, and crank, and crank. Then itll sputter a bit, then it sometimes comes on, and sometimes doesnt. It seems to have backfired at me a while ago tonight. Immediately after this, itll start right up. After leaving it at night, it starts right up. The alternator is putting out plenty of juice, and is also hooked up right. With the jet, i have it turned off when I start the car, and turn it off before shutting the car off. Any suggestions?

-Dave

[Dr_Kyle]

I'm thinking that maybe it's just slightly harder to turn the 160 amp alternator and maybe the computer is still 'learning' that it has to crank harder...? I don't know, actually, you probably unhooked the battery to install the new alternator (I know I would) so if that's the case, then I'm just as confused as you.

[Rba007]

I didnt unhook the battery actually. Didnt see how I could get zapped since I was unhooking the thing that makes the juice... Think the computer is having lil hiccups then? Id have to wait to unhook the battery till sunday after the Michigan Grudge Match (dont want my tranny acting up on the track).

[Dan00GPGT]

When you pulled your alternator you really should have disconnected the battery. The alternator has a direct line from the battery to itself and had that touched the car frame, engine block, etc. you would have seen sparks flying everywhere. Although the alternator does supply the electricity, the battery has more than enough stored up to supply fireworks if you cross the terminals. :confused:

[lrymal]

Originally posted by Rba007
..Here is my problem:
Occasionally, when I go to start my car, it will crank, and crank, and crank. Then itll sputter a bit, then it sometimes comes on, and sometimes doesnt. ..

I personally think it is a dirty injector. I don't think the problem is computer-related. Just my opinion.

[Rba007]

I have taken care of it since (we wrapped the line from the bat to the alt in all sorts of elec tape and such when we disconnected it, and took quite a bit of precautions to make sure no contact occured between any body parts. I was trying to keep the shift program intact for mgm2, I didnt want the car re-learning how i drive while I was there). Larry, thanks for the tip about the injectors, ill buy some injector cleaner today and hopefully itll make a difference.

[Rba007]

Today I disconnected the battery long enough for the comp to reset, and put some injector cleaner in. It now doesnt start EVERY first try. After quitting the first time, itll start instantly with the second turn of the key. I dont get it...

[Rba007]

Guys, this is really bothering me, and im hoping im not damaging my car during the rough starts. It will NEVER start the first time any longer. Ill be turning my jet module off for a day or two now to see if that has any effect. If you have any idea or guess as to what this is, PLEASE let me know!

[Rba007]

If its a dirty injector, than it coincided that it happened to start about 15 minutes after the jet install. I drove the car to get chinese after the install, and it didnt want to start then. The day of the install. Guys, i could really, really use some help. Any ideas, PLEASE!

[Rba007]

Thanks man. Im just thinking its got to be the JET . But, turning it on or off makes no difference at all. I bought a new fuel filter today, as well as some new plugs. Tomorrow ill be putting those in, as well as getting my injectors cleaned (the mechanic suggested this specialty stuff, in a bottle, that he hooks straight into the fuel rail, and runs the car off the stuff in teh bottle. He swears by it). But how could my injectors or fuel pump have gone bad so fast, and so amazingly at the same time i installed the jet? The jet is installed correctly. I have the tps enhancer as well, but the jet is spliced directly into the tps enhancer, which has worked for a few people whove tried it. Ill keep my fingers crossed for you as well man. This is turning into an expensive problem...

[Rba007]

BTW, ive had my jet off for a couple of days now, no difference. Could any 2.4 owner's with the jet module take a pic of their map hookup? Id appreciatte one.

[BMOBYLE]

Originally posted by Rba007
BTW, ive had my jet off for a couple of days now, no difference. Could any 2.4 owner's with the jet module take a pic of their map hookup? Id appreciatte one.

Hey dave do you know how to check fuel pressure?
There should be a shrader on the fuel rail all's you need is a gauge. Also if your gonna run injector clean the absolute best way to clean them is thru the rail, not gas tank additives, they work but just not AS effective. A fuel pressure test will tell you alot. Weak pump, clogged filter, leaky injector............, Could possibly not even be fuel related at all just voiceN. Another way to rule out fuel related issues is to just leave the key in the on position for a couple of seconds before cranking. Then if it starts like it used to(on the first try)then you know what the problem is. Hope this info helps and post up if ya found the problem
:(

[Rba007]

Im having the injectors cleaned through the rail today. Ive left my key in the on position for 3 minutes, and it doesnt seem to make a difference. Grrr!

[action]

If you have a JET take my advise:

Tie into a constant power source and never turn unit off. This switched source and turning it off crap is definantly causing a problem. I had the same problem until I made this change. Only time I turn mine off is when the car isn't running and I run regular gas for awhile. Other thaN that its always turned on.

The unit is internally switched and turns off 3-4 seconds after the key is removed.

A new fuel filter certianly won't hurt either.

[PACE]

any updates? Was it the JET?

[Rba007]

Well, ive got an appointment with a local 2.4 afficianado mechanic on monday at 1145. H ethinks my engine isnt maintaining fuel pressure when shut off. Where are you getting the juice for your jet action? Ive got mine plugged into my radio fuse. Isnt that a constant source?

[PACE]

pass. side radio fuse......hmmmmm. fuel pressure is a possibility.....a strange one....but still a possibility.....hmmmmmm GOOD LUCK DUDE!!

[Rba007]

Its the fuse on the drivers side. Top one, column closest to vechicles interior. Thanks man!

[Rba007]

BTW, I got fired tonight, so I hope its relatively cheap to fix! (Long story, readers digest version: told me i was doing an awesome job on tuesday night, today i was told im "not watching the right people", it was a position as a loss prevention officer at a jc penney. Im a lil ****ed.)

[PACE]

NO NO NO....that is the one that gave me all my troubles with the JET....use the passenger side one.....twards the bottom..and always leave it on.....trust me on this one....

Sorry about stealing all that stuff from your store....I knew I wouldn't get caught in Muskegun!!!!:D lol

[Rba007]

True, if you want any tips, let me know! Alright, ill go outside and switch the power right now. Id love to get this fixed before monday. Cheaper!

[Rba007]

Pace,
From an in garage, 10 pm guestimate, it worked!!!!! Youre my hero man! I have a lot of driving tomorrow (up to ludington for gfriends grandpa's funeral), so ill let you know how it works in the long haul. Thanks a LOT for all the help. Its much appreciatted.:thumbs: