KA24E Low 15 MPG & Slight Startup Problem

[Reeefo]

Hey!

So i have done the timing chain and and got the timing on Oil Pump and Dizzy correct. The car runs strong but the problem is that the car gets 15mpg regardless of how i drive! I have not changed the fuel pump yet but i have done a full tune up (plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, etc.) and used Lucas complete fuel system cleaner. I do have a check engine light on but that is for the EGR valve (Code 32)

Also, when i start up the car cold, it wont start unless i give it some throttle. Any ideas? Thanks!

[angel mkiv]

id fix that egr code first..that can very well be why you have a bad start up issue.also the bad mpgs..also look into what the O2 sensor is seeing with a scan tool or replace it if it's super old.

[Reeefo]

Okay. I fixed egr check engine. The o2 was already replaced. Ill see if it increases now.

[Rustys14]

Sounds like a timing issue to me. Have you verified that the engine is running at 15 degrees BTDC with a timing light? Just because the marks on the distributor and oil pump line up doesn't necessary mean that it is timed correctly. If all is good with timing, I would test your coolant temperature sensor as a bad one can make the car run stupid rich.

[Reeefo]

Yup was the 15 btdc, but my startup is still bad. RUNS BEAUTIFULLY!

[Bleakley]

Sounds to me like your off a tooth when you did the timing chain. It will run somewhat okay, but get dogsh** gas mileage. Triple check that..

Edit: Juat for the sake of it, compression test and maybe test fuel pressure? To rule those out..

[Choppz]

Sounds like timing

[SlideOrDie83]

stuck open egr will cause a hard start so have that looked at.

check the resistance on your coolant temp sensor. resistance should lower as the temperature gets hotter. high resistance at operating temp will cause it to run rich. Id also check out the fuel pressure regulator and the vacuum source.

[Reeefo]

Okay, so it wasnt timing. my IACV was too low. I raised it up and it starts up fine now. hahaha thanks all :)

[Bleakley]

Okay, so it wasnt timing. my IACV was too low. I raised it up and it starts up fine now. hahaha thanks all :)

If it's a valve timing issue, that will only bandaid the hard start..
For sure your gas mileage is still going to suck.. Just make sure you triple checked.

[Reeefo]

okay. everything is fixed. Timing is at 15btdc, no check engine, and everything runs 100%. I'm still gettin 15mpg... why? lol

edit: When using the timing light, is there a certain way i should do it? Idk what angle to do it in.

[Bleakley]

Dude, have you verified mechanical timing (Valve/Cam timing, whatever you want to call it.) I'm not talking about ignition timing (what you check with the light).

[Reeefo]

Yep. Its mechanically fine.

[Reeefo]

The start up was because of fuel pump turned out.

[Bleakley]

Lol. Mechanically fine because you say so..?
I am only asking because:
1) I do not know you/who you are, what you've done, and what you know.
2) You have yet to confirm whether you've actually checked that the cams are in proper time.

Number of way you can do this. Easiest (I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong) is to peel off the timing cover and check. You may very well be off a tooth. Just one tooth WILL cause poor gas mileage, no argument there.
Assuming the rest of the engine is in good shape (good compression and engine management sensors are all in good health) with a proper tune up (plugs, fresh fuel, cap, rotor, fuel filter, etc. etc.).

Poor gas mileage and hard start can also be attributed to a cracked and leaking fuel line or hose. Just bebecause you replaced the fuel pump doesn't mean you should just up and rule out everything else without verifying their conditions. Shit, that's also preventative maintenance.