Hi all. I am in dire need of help. Sorry for this long description but this is driving me nuts. I have an 87' with a 302 and I am having a major problem with it intermittently starting. In the past six months all the plugs have been replaced as well as the cap, rotor, and wires. Since this problem started over a month ago, I have also replaced the starter relay, the ignition module, the inline fuel filter, and the ignition coil with no luck. I have left it at a local mechanic on several occasions and it has started for him every time. For me it starts most of the time, but often enough, it just turns over and wont start. The more I try, the longer I have to sit before it will start. If it does not start on the first try, generally I can just sit with the key off for about 2 or three minutes and it will start like nothing was ever wrong. This problem started over a month ago but to add to it, in the last few weeks, it has also started to lag when driving around 55 to 60. If I am in heavier traffic and have to sustain speeds in that range for over ten minutes, it will lag for just a few second, like it lost all power but then kicks back in and runs normal. Usually just enough for me to loose a few miles an hour. Sometimes this occurs multiple times, and sometimes just once or twice. And usually it is accompanied with a strong smell of gas. I am sure this has something to do with the original problem. This problem seems to occur regardless to temperature outside, weather conditions, time since it was last started, amount of gas in the tank or even engine temperature. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

pull vacum line on the fuel pressure regulator, if gas comes out thats your problem or at least part of it. i would also hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the shrader vavle and check pressure both with the key on and with the engine running. it should read 38-45psi. if its above or below you have a fpr or fuel pump problem. also check your oil and smell for gas. if gas is present change oil/filter asap. gas in the oil will clean the bearings and ruin the motor

 

check your wiring loom I mean open it up! I had a problem on my 86 it finally left me on the side of the road! My wiring got a hole rubbed in it right above the alternator, It cut all power to the fuel pump! I know its a pain to unwrap and rewrap but the hole might move from where its shorting due to cranking, vibrations!