I posted this in the Engine Management Forum, in thoughts that it might be tune related. However, in case it isn't I did want to also post in here to see if anyone might have any advice on the mechanical side that I can try to fix this issue.







Okay guys n' gals; I need help.
Some may remember about 4 months ago I had some starting issues. Turns out I had a blown motor at that time, leaking coolant into my cylinders making it rather hard to start. That is why when I paused between turning ignition on and cranking it took longer to fire.
Nonetheless, I took the car to Inline Pro to have a new built motor put in and retuned.

Mod List :
Inline Pro Stage 1 Turbo Kit
SC58/65 Turbo Kit
Siemens 900cc Injectors
9:1 Built Motor
Test Pipe
Stock Exhaust
Complete Evap System
Spark Plugs .025' NGK BKR8EIX
Inline Pro Return Fuel System *for my returnless 2007*
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump
Fuel Lab Fuel Pressure Regulator (44psi)


Now, I'm sad to say that still, 4 months later the starting issues have NOT been resolved. I have Rick at Inline Pro (tuner), Matt at Shue Tuning (tuner), Gene at Tuner's Edge (tuner/mechanic), and a lot of other mechanical friends look over my car and no one can find an answer. Everyone is trying, but no one is able to land anything. I've also posted on Hondata's forum, but no luck there either.



Testing Completed :
Compression Check - 10psi variance between all 4 cylinders
Fuel Pump - Fine, on dyno it holds pressure just fine.
Spark Plugs - Replaced with fresh ones.
Spark Plug Gap - Tried new fresh plugs with a .034' and still didn't fire.
Coils - Replaced.
Injectors - No Leaks; removed & let sit for 4hrs, not a single drop.

Inconsistency :
Start the car & let it idle for maybe 10 minutes to heat up the ECT, maybe to 150' range. I turn the car off, let it sit for a few moments and try to start. She will fire, but almost immediately stall like she is starving for fuel. On the same exact map, I wil take the car out for a good drive and come home, parking the car with ECT levels in the 190' range. Come out maybe an hour later, connect to laptop and read ECT temps near 150'. I'll try to start the car, but she'll just crank and crank and crank.. when she does fire it smells horribly of fuel.






Closest I've come...
I replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs last Sunday. Upon doing so, I also unplugged my EVAP Purge Solenoid. I cranked the ignition, she fired right up! I turned it off, let her sit for maybe 30 minutes. Tried again, fired right up! I drove the car 10 minutes up the road, pulled into the store for a slurpee, came out to start the car, fired right up. It tried to stall a bit, but simple blip of the throttle and she's good.
On the way home I get the cute CEL we all love. Pull the code & it's for the EVAP System. Go under 'Misc Settings' in FlashPro and see the "Purge/EVAP System Enabled" option.. so I uncheck that and clear the code too. I upload the new map with that box unchecked & go to bed. Wake up the next day, go to the car and she doesn't crank.




Hondata recommended putting in stock fuel injectors, altering the injector size to stock and see if that helps it fire better. Like many of us, I don't happen to have stock injector clips available. Even if I did and soldered them in; the Inline Pro Fuel Rail with their Return Fuel System sits way too high for the injectors to be connected and actually reach the engine.





Can someone please help?

 

Oh, when I state 'Starting Issues'... basically I get one of two outcomes to starting the car.
1) She will fire right up and immediately stall ; usually warm ECT's after I've been starting the car and letting it idle to try and fix the issue or
2) She will crank for anywhere from 8-12 seconds before firing... upon doing so the RPM's will remain very low. A simple blip of the throttle will raise the RPMs and provide me with a lovely aroma of fuel!

 

Its your fuel map, she's got a nasty halt.

 

but three different tuners looked at the map and couldnt see this? there are starting fuel settings, and ect temp modifiers for that.

i feel its in the tune. sucks none of those guys could figure it out though.

 

Yes it does suck because a couple of them are very good tuners.

 

Trust me, we've played with every last bit of the cranking bits ; cranking fuel trim, cranking fuel map, ect cranking compensation value, and air temp compensation value... no luck.

Even then, it's inconsistent.

For example, tonight I get home from work... less than 20 minutes later I leave to go to the store. Try to start car, 10 seconds of cranking and a horrible fuel smell as soon as it does. I go 5 minute up the street, run inside to grab something, come back out and try to start the car... fires immediately.

 

well thats a huge bummer. grounding issue?

 

Checked... all grounds are secure.

Next test is fuel pump. After priming my fuel system it seems that my fuel pressure gauge reads 42psi, but immediately starts to taper off at a rather quick pace. Within 20 seconds it's down to 32psi and within 1.5minutes it's all gone.

I know under load on the dyno it help fuel pressure just fine, but with all the other things tested it can't hurt. Hoping to get a new one purchased & installed by Saturday.

 

Confirmed not only with Hondata, but a rather well known local tuner & mechanic who confirmed there is no problem with my Fuel Pump.

Back to the drawing boards. Anyone else offer recommendations of things I can test?

 

what are your short term fuel trims saying?