I'm having a problem with the car stalling out the first time I try to crank it in the morning. After the first try, it'll start up but the engine sounds very sluggish while idling. Once I take off, it's fine. I guess it stalled out the other day on my wife also. Since it's been a while since I gave her a good tune up, I figured I'd do the little things first to see if that works.

Today I'm replacing: Spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, thermostat, synthetic oil/filter, plus I'm spraying somce carb cleaner into the air intake to see if that works. Last week, the battery died so the battery is new and I also added a complete fuel system cleaner to see if the injectors were dirty.

If all else fails, I guess I'm looking at a fuel pump replacement which I have never done before but have heard it's a PITA. Does anyone know where I can find the instructions to do such a thing?

 

The only thing you forgot about is the fuel filter. Relace that and see if it helps. The fuel filter is easy to get to located right in front of the gas tank and you'll half to drop the gas tank to get to the fuel pump. Try checking the fuel pressure first to see if that even is the problem.

 

Ah thanks for the suggestion. I've never done that either but it sounds much simpler.

 

I know this may sound like a stupid question?
But can fuel pressured be checked at the valve stem on the fuel rail with the key in the on position?

With maybe an air gauge?

Or maybe there is a tool more applicable to the fuel rail valve stem?

 

the only stupid question is the one not asked.

Not with an air gauge- but, all the big tool companies and prolly even your local parts store sells fuel pressure gauges that you would hook up on the fuel rail. Heres an example of probably the most expensive one you can get, snap-on