Strange but True

[A_TouchofClass]

i have a 89 sidekick. when its cold sometimes it wont start for a day or 2 or 3, than it just fires right up till next time. it cranks but acts like its getting no gas, but u can smell gas, we used ether to try to start it no go there. was getting spark and gas. also i have never changed the air filter, yet it looks brand new. neone have suggestions to the problem?

[TheZuke!]

Please give us more input.

Model (e.g. JX, JLX)
2 door/4 door?
Automatic/Manual transmission?
Fuel injection?
if so, Throttle Body or Multi-port?
# of miles,

Are you the original owner?
Have you been doing routine maintenance/tune-ups?
(apparently not, as you haven't changed the air filter)

8 or 16 valve engine?

FED or CALIF emission model?

Take a look at the second line of my .signature,
that way I always post pertinent info about TheZuke!

[A_TouchofClass]

i have done maintenance, tune-ups.plug changes, even a new transmission. =) . i never changed the air filter cos it always white as snow, like new, ummm is that normal?
Ohhhhhhhh its been 4 days since it hasnt started., well went out and tryed this morning,, fired right up. with a low battery, cos i kinda wore it down trying to start it .. im really confused, and so is ev1 else .

********************
A_TouchofClass
1989 suzuki sidekick 4 cyl,fuel injected, automatic,4x4 , 2 door,AC

[jtgh]

this is an old throttle body injected TBI 8v kick.

sounds flooded,
how cold i cold, kentucky is far from me.

if flooded , next time try the ECU trick of pressing gas pedal to floor.
this activates secret unflood mode. (only Bruce Waine , had these put in,hahahah)

this cuts all fuel. (instant start made it worse)
so try that.
one more thing, on an 8v , you might need a new ECT,
on cold days , this sensor can be off after 18 years ,
mileage on car? 50k or 250,000 miles.

this sensor is infamous for lasting only 15years.,
it likes to read colder than truth, this causes the fuel to be excessive and floods.
or
the IAC is clogged and this starves startup air.
a light touch of gas pedal 5% , if allows easier starting , this means car is starving for air, usually a 5% will cause too much air and make starting lean and fail to start.
but if the IAC or IAC thermal are clogged up, then extra air helps (un-naturally).
hope i explained that clear.
?

when it dont start , tell us. we can help.

I place my bet on flooding.
if the above test prove true, then we can work from there.

cheers.

[A_TouchofClass]

cold like 30 or below, raining or snowing. i tryed the hold to the floor thingy, didnt help. ill have my son check the other things u said. and 1 more thing. ive had this air filter simce ive had the truck almost 2 yrs. it looks brand new. we r kinda confused about that. ?????

[jtgh]

how many miles on the filter, 10k, 50, 250k? maintenance history?
looks are great but smack it see what falls out.
last one i saw that looked clean , was full of volcanic ash (white dust finer than flour).

next time it doesn't start:
1: check for flooding (look at plugs for soaked with gas on tip, and or floor it and start it)
2: check for spark.?
3: look down TB to see if the injector is squirting when cranked.?

(works on ALL 8v KICKS)

if car wont start with gas and spark. it is flooding, you should be able to smell that.

I guess you are saying it starts one day and not the next.

The engine runs ok when it runs is the implication here. no shake when idling.
so I will ignore , compression tests, and vacuum tests.
but any old 89 , needs that done , just to see the general condition of the engine.

150psi on each cycl. and solid 19 inches HG (HG= Latin for Mercury) on vacu. gauge.

attach vac gauge to EVAP nipple.

do compression with coil (primary ,not secondary HV plug pulled)
deactivating the coil .
I have a compression page. if you click my link.


Intermittent's must be trouble shot when they happen. (if it is not broke cant fix it , yah?)
it could be anything.
spark , fuel or ECU.

if really unlucky , you can have a problem with start up air.
there are 5 paths of air to start an old 8v. can be fun to sort that all out.
fresh-air for start and idle

or gosh forbid.
the Fuel pressure regulator stuck closed and fuel pressure is on the moon.


EFI is complex, not all problems are simple.