Re: hard starting, still! (archive)

Are you saying 2 of the hex screws broke off? If so maybe something's loose. Check the mounting plate for the rotor. Could be the 6mm hex bolt has come loose. You'll need to verify that you're getting spark at the plugs. You can buy an inexpensive spark tester at most auto parts places. And yes verify fuel pressure and check for injector operation while cranking. You may also want to replace the main and fuel pump relays since they're inexpensive. I had the fuel pump relay fail on me 50 feet from my driveway. The car died and wouldn't start. Fortunately I had keep spares in the trunk. Cheep insurance on long trips.

demet

Try checking the AFM flap for binding. How's the air filter? I would still check the condition of the ignition system by pulling the plugs, checking wires, cap and rotor. And I would verify fuel pressure by plugging in a pressure gauge. I'm assuming that other important but often overlooked things like battery, battery cables, grounds, fuse box connections are all clean and working properly. Motronic doesn't cope very well with a weak battery or voltage drops due to corroded connections.

demet

Demet
Starting with the basics, I replaced the platinum plugs with Silbers, the platinum ones didn't look too hot once I pulled them. Then I checked the cap & rotor and found all the contacts to be black and pitted and 2 of the 3 lugs on the rotor had broken off. New rotor and cap were then installed. Figuring this should have corrected the problem I put everything back together. Guess what, no change! Lots of cranking and it sounds like it starts to catch but just won't run. Guess I'll check the fuel next.

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