Mitsubishi Repair: Mitsubishi starting problems, port fuel injection, mitsubishi mighty max


Question
1990 Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup, 2-WD, 2.4 L., 5 speed.  No codes.
When I try to start the pickup it runs fine for about ten to twenty seconds, then begins to run erratically a bit before shutting down completely, as if the ignition has been turned off. When I try to start again the same sequence sets in: starts and runs fine for a few seconds, then roughly, then quits. I hear an obvious clicking in the area behind the glove compartment during the "rough" stage before it actually quits. If I continue this process for several minutes it seems to clear up and the problem  temporarily goes away, the pickup runs fine till the engine is then shut down manually. After being turned off for a few minute I must go through the whole process again to get it running properly.

Note: The multi-port fuel injection relay was replaced and all grounds were cleaned but still no fix.

Thanks much....ron

Answer
Ron,
The symptoms you described are typical when the engine is staving for fuel.  Have your fuel pump checked, the pressure regulator checked, and the fuel filter replaced (it you haven't recently) and see if any issues can be found.  

The clicking noise may also be part of the problem.  It's possible your car's computer is faulty and and interpreting signals from your various sensors incorrectly; hence causing the engine to stall.  You can read this for further information:
http://www.90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm

If the ECU is faulty, you will get some strange behaviors, so this is worth having checked out as well.
Good luck!