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Post by Gene on Jul 25, 2014 16:28:19 GMT -5
My 1988 4WD Justy that I purchased new has a weird problem and I was wondering if any of you folks might have some ideas on what might be happening?
Now let me say it runs perfect when it starts but if I let it sit for longer than a couple of days, sometimes it won't start. If I run it every day, there's no problem and it will start every time. When it won't start, I can get a push and pop the clutch and it starts easily.
A friend said to check the carburetor, (fuel), "check valve" but I can't find any information in the shop manual about a check valve.
Any ideas and thanks.
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Post by indkid87 on Jul 25, 2014 18:56:42 GMT -5
What does it do when it doesn't start? Does it crank slow or just click? Or does it crank normal and never fire?
-Dave
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Post by Armageddous on Jul 25, 2014 20:24:09 GMT -5
The only differences between roll starting it verses using the key are the speed the engine is turned over at, and the ignition switch position.
As Dave asked, is it a slow crank or no crank? Crank and no fire?
Terry
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Post by Gene on Jul 26, 2014 14:20:43 GMT -5
It cranks just fine. The battery is in excellent condition and it turns over strong. I've tried every combination like holding the accelerator to the floor, pumping it a few times before trying to start, etc.
Like I say, as long as I start it everyday, it's fine. Let it sit for 2-3 days or longer, it's a crap shoot.
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Post by Armageddous on Jul 26, 2014 19:15:12 GMT -5
I can think of a few things but nothing makes sense with the fact bump starting it works. My first thought is you have poor fuel pressure and the carburetor is draining out over a few days and taking a while to pump up.
I would start simple. Wait a couple days (like you would for it to not start), pump your gas pedal once to engage the choke, then take the air filter lid off and make sure the choke is closed. If it is, hold it open and have an assistant (or move the throttle with your other hand) push the throttle while you look thru the carburetor to make sure gas is squirting in. Obviously do not crank the engine during any of this.
If the choke sets, and fuel is getting in then suspect something ignition related. Worn spark plugs can cause hard starts with little or no other symptoms.
Terry
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Post by Armageddous on Jul 26, 2014 19:16:39 GMT -5
The fuel cut solenoid is located on the carburetor - somewhere. It is a single wire solenoid that cuts fuel for the carburetor. I'm not sure of it's exact location, but your car would not start with a bump if this was fauly. Unless your ignition switch is faulty causing the valve to stay closed during cranking.
Terry
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Post by Gene on Jul 27, 2014 14:08:27 GMT -5
The spark plugs are fairly new as are the plug wires, rotor, dist. cap and coil.
One time I took the air cleaner cover off and had my wife try and start it and it was getting gas. Another time, I primed the carb and it still wouldn't start and I even tried starting fluid and that didn't work either. After that incident, I went out several days later and it started right up!
It's a mystery.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 16:10:41 GMT -5
Might want to check to make sure nothing is grounding out your ignition coil. A little frayed wire or worn insulation can very effectively cause a very mysterious intermittent no start situation.
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Post by Gene on Aug 3, 2014 17:08:40 GMT -5
Thanks folks for all the suggestions but I tried all of them and to no avail, even checking out the grounding to the coil. This really is a weird problem.
Something's blocking the fuel to not get to the carb after sitting for 2-3 days or longer. It's one of those scratch your head things especially when it will start on first try as long as I start it every day and it runs perfectly after it starts.
Weirder yet, as you folks have said, it will bump start every time but who wants to do that if it sits longer than a few days?
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Post by gearheadeh on Aug 4, 2014 0:27:14 GMT -5
Thanks folks for all the suggestions but I tried all of them and to no avail, even checking out the grounding to the coil. This really is a weird problem. Something's blocking the fuel to not get to the carb after sitting for 2-3 days or longer. It's one of those scratch your head things especially when it will start on first try as long as I start it every day and it runs perfectly after it starts. Weirder yet, as you folks have said, it will bump start every time but who wants to do that if it sits longer than a few days? Alright Gene, Been away for awhile, might as well wade in on this one. I have no idea what it is other than something to do with fuel or ignition. BUT -- -- My 1988 Carbed Justy had the exact same problem except that it got worse and worse. When it was cold first thing it would start perfect and run great. Then by the time you got where you were going it would not start less you push started it. Over the space of a few months it got to happening every time. I was always looking to park above any slight incline that would aid me when I pushed it and hopped in, in time to jam it into second gear and drop the clutch with the ignition on. Any larger, heavier vehicle you would not be able to do this. Long story short the problem went away when I used the nuclear bomb approach. I tore the car apart, changed ALL of the wiring, the fuel tank and ALL the things to do with fuel when I converted the car to EFI. Bam- no more problems .. .. .. Sorry I can't help with the exact cause. maybe you will figure out it is something easy like a small part of the carb and you can tease me with how much work I went thru to fix my car.
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Post by Gene on Aug 4, 2014 10:59:58 GMT -5
Interesting gearheadeh. I just hope I don't have to go through all that! My problem is actually the OPPOSITE of the one you had. Once I push start the car, it will start every time after that no matter how many times I start and restart it. It's the STARTING of it that's my problem. Like I say, if I start it EVERY DAY and let it idle for a little while or I take it for a short drive EVERY DAY, I have no problems whatsoever. If I let it sit for two days or more without starting it, then I have the problem. The reason I asked about the fuel or carb "check valve" was because my friend has a 1999 Honda CR-V and he was having the EXACT same problem I'm having and his mechanic replaced the carb fuel check valve and his problem was solved.
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Post by scottabe on Aug 14, 2014 2:24:45 GMT -5
I've had the same problem with my 88. Can grind it all I want after three days sitting, finally just give up, hit it with a shot of starter fluid, and off we go. I have to get around to rebuilding the carb....
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Post by Gene on Aug 29, 2014 15:26:42 GMT -5
I've had the same problem with my 88. Can grind it all I want after three days sitting, finally just give up, hit it with a shot of starter fluid, and off we go. I have to get around to rebuilding the carb.... Funny yours is a '88 also and you're having the same problem. My '88 has a mind of it's own and will only start when it wants to. One time I even tried starting fluid and even priming the carb and neither worked. I went out a couple of days later and it started right up without using anything! I put in a new K&N filter a few months ago and I got to thinking that this problem seemed to start after I installed the K&N. I took out the K&N today and installed a new Fram CA353 filter that I've been using since the car was new. I'm hoping against hope that it might straighten itself out.
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Post by sp0ngebob on Sept 8, 2014 10:56:08 GMT -5
take off your distributor cap and look at the two leads in there. are they properly hooked up or are they loose and come off easily?
i had that problem and it lead to intermittent starting issues like this. i got in there, "closed the gap" on the electrical connector and put it back together. 0 problems since.
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Post by Gene on Sept 15, 2014 16:44:32 GMT -5
spOngebob, I went ahead and checked that and both wire's connections seemed tight. I lightly tugged at them and there was no movement either way. Thanks for taking the time to make the suggestion because you never know.
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Post by Gene on Nov 22, 2014 5:37:08 GMT -5
Well, the car finally stopped running completely. No amount of push starting or anything would start it. I had it towed to my mechanic who is 50 miles away.
It turned out to be multiple things. One spark plug was fouled, the distributor cap was bad and the carb base gasket was leaking badly. He replaced the bad plug and distributor cap, removed the carb and had to make a base gasket as he couldn't locate a replacement.
He said the original base gasket was a real bear to remove and took a long time to scrape off. While he had the carb off he replaced all the vacuum lines. It's now running great and starts right up even after sitting. He said there's still a very tiny leak at the base of the carb and has a small exhaust leak but should run fine for a good while.
When I drove it the 50 miles home, it ran strong making it up the many steep mountain passes that exist where I live and kept a steady 70 mph. However, my mechanic said the carb would eventually have to be replaced. He said if I could locate a replacement he would change it out for me for $80.00-$100.00.
I checked on Ebay and there was a couple new ones available but they're asking outrageous prices. So, when this one finally gives out, does anyone know a good place to get a replacement at a reasonable price?
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Post by sp0ngebob on Nov 22, 2014 15:13:09 GMT -5
just ahve it rebuilt by a reputable shop. this is a simple hitachi 2bbl. i was once quoted 160 for a full clean and rebuild if i supplied parts.
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Post by justyjuggler on Nov 23, 2014 9:10:59 GMT -5
So, when this one finally gives out, does anyone know a good place to get a replacement at a reasonable price? Have one from 'running 88 in Ottawa, Canada, for 15 +shipping. Can paypal shipping quote if you send zip code to chinobaba at hotttmaildotcommmm
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Post by Gene on Nov 23, 2014 15:38:50 GMT -5
Hi justyjuggler, E-mail sent. Thanks!
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