Mitsubishi Repair: Galant starts and dies after almost immediately, fuel pressure regulator, air intake system

Question
Hello Anthony,

I have a 1994 Galant 128K miles. It's very well maitained, and runs great. The battery is new from Sears, and the electrical starter parts were replaced with new ones a year ago. I made sure to buy copper ones, so this car usually starts better than newer ones. I just turn the ignition key for a fraction of a second, and brrrooooommm it starts.

Yesterday it rained with a lot of wind, and after that, I started it, and drove it inside the parking lot for a few yards, and it stopped suddenly w/o shaking or any engine noise. I gave it gas, and tried to start it unsucessfully. The initial discharge is strong, and it starts, and dies after 3 seconds. Under the hood I noticed water over the closed fuse box, so I dried it and let it rest. Today I checked again and everything seemed dry, but still it starts strong, and dies in 2 or 3 seconds. Would you please tell me what you think might be causing this problem?

Thank you in advance,

Rick

Answer
Rick,
This may be cause by lack of fuel pressure or restriction in the air intake system.  Weak fuel pressure could be caused by a failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, clogged injectors, or bad fuel pressure regulator.  There also the possibility that with all the rain and wind you received, some water made its way into your fuel tank and diluted the gas; though that is rare.  Air intake problems can stem from a clogged air filter, failing throttle body or related component.

It can't hurt to double check the charging system as well.  This includes the alternator, battery, and all connections.  If any relays or fuses were damaged due to the water getting under the hood, that be a cause of this problem as well.
Good luck!