QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have an 89 Lebaron which has been parked since 03. I want to know how to get it running again.
I stopped driving it because it would heat up, shudder and stop at traffic lights. Sometimes it would come to a rolling stop in traffic. Battery was good. It had something to do with fuel.
The mechanics never diagnosed it, never did this at the shop so I parked it. Now the city wants it towed out of my property.
I would like to remove the fuel tank, drain it and clean it out.
But I don't know how.
can you tell me what I should do, or how to fix it? If it runs I can trade it in.
Thnks.
ANSWER: Hi A.R.,
To remove the tank you would want to drain it first, so it is possible that just doing that you could then refill it with fresh gasoline and see if you can get it to start. Other than draining the tank, you have to remove the filler neck attachment to the fender at the filler door. Then raise the vehicle, disconnect the wiring and hoses from the tank, Put a jack under the tank and support it, then loosen the straps, then lower it enough to remove the hoses from the pressure relief/rollover valve on the top of tank, then remove the fuel filler tube from the tank, then remove the mounting straps and lower the jack to lower the tank.
If you can get it to start and run without removing the tank and cleaning it, then I would do a fault code check to see if the engine controller can tell you what might be wrong about the idle. Turn the key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on", doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light, which remains 'on'. to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process to be sure of an accurate set of flash counts. The last two sets of counts will always be 5 in each. Then group the counts in pairs, in the order of appearance. The last two digit number is thus 55 which is the code for 'end of readout'. The other codes are then relevant so let me know what they are.
You might also check the exhaust gas recirculation velve (egr) is not stuck ajar. You will find a valve stem beween the valve body and the round top of the valve, hidden inside of a flange between those two parts. There is a slot in the stem into which you insert the tip of a screwdriver which you then use to move the stem back and forth, against sprong-action in one direction. If the valve stem doesn't come to a dead stop via the spring-action then spray some WD-40 on the valve stem where it enters the vavle body. That could end the dieing when you come to a stop behavior.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'vounteer of the month', please consider a 'yes' answer if my response proves helpful. Thanks
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Well, first I have to replace the battery, because now it is discharged.
But if I try to start it without cleaning the fuel tank, won't that damage the engine? It's probably nasty and gummed up by now.
Another thing, the possible problems are : computer malfunction, blocked fuel injector, fuel pump, fuel regulator, and/or auto engine overheat shut down. Can you send me a diagram of the fuel tank/hoses and where the gas recirculation valve is and tools I will need?
Finally,
Do you want my car?
Seems like you could fix it and sell it. I want it to have a good home and not sold for parts. It does need front seat reupholstering carpet cleaning, and a paint job.
AnswerI am not that experienced with the 'decay' of fuel, but why not first simply drain it out and then put in a gallon of fresh fuel to rinse, and drain that, and then put in a couple of gallons and try to run it?
I can send you a couple of pages from the manual that shows the tank. Just let me know a postal mailing address.
I am unclear about all the 'possible problems'. Are those known or hypothetical?
You can assess some of this by doing the key initiated readout, then go from there. Any codes will likely set up if you try to start it/run it for a while.
No, I already have an '89 LeBaron coupe that is running very well. You may find yours is going to run pretty well too...
Roland
PS: Please 'rate' these answers. Thanks
