QuestionSymptom - 2nd vehicle, was running fine 2 months ago. I have been traveling a lot and did not drive it at all. Now it won't start. It gives one good rev and then dies. Sounds fine for the first 2 seconds.
It's New England and very rainy the past several weeks. I figured if it turned over enough it would eventually start. No luck.
I had a problem with it last year and they cleaned the butterfly valvle controlling air intake to the manifold (think I got that right) and felt that a large carbon build-up was causing grief to the TPS and ECM. It came back running fine and stayed that way until it sat for so long.
I took it to an Isuzu dealer who wants to start by replacing the throttle assembly for $1000 and said maybe the ECM as well, for another $1000. I'm not buying their diagnosis.
Why did it run fine before that? Nothing has changed except sitting. I will note that the intake manifold seemed to have a lot of carbon again, and the plugs were really fouled. I changed them, but it really seems like it chokes for two seconds and then opens up to run, but dies.
Thoughts? Can I get it running long enough to sell it?!
Thanks!
Answer Well peter your on the right track so far. Thank you for not buying into the dealer's un-qualified staff.
The fuel pump voltage needs to be checked. Also doing a spark plug change and check your intake gaskets for any leaks. I would highly recommend doing a carbon-cleaning on your engine as well Peter.
Start with cleaning the EGR valve with a soft brush or GENTLY using a flat-headed screw-driver to knock out those chunks of carbon. Then get a can of Seafoam or any heavy duty carb cleaner and use a vacuum hose that runs into your intake manifold and allow the vacuum to slowly suck up all the cleaner. Make sure to have an assistant give some throttle to it as this will try to kill the motor. After this drain the oil and after it is all drained pour in a quart of Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer and the remaining amount with Mystic, Rotella, Castrol, Havoline 10w-40 or 15w-40 oil. Anyone of these fine brands will do Peter. Make sure to use a Wix or qaulity oil filter not a fram!!! After this go out on the highway or something and give it a good run and you will see all kinds of black crap and smoke pour out of the tail-pipe. It will do it for only a few seconds and afterwards your engine will run much better Peter. If you have any further questions please let me know okay?
