* RESOLVED* Flooding While Starting. Ideas?

[paulmeisterpk]

***I changed out my fuel pressure regulator and it solved the flooding issue.***

've got a 5spd AWD 94 Legacy Wagon 2.2 non-turbo. I have been having weird starting issues over the last few months. Occasionally, when I go to start it, it floods out and won't start. I can feel the engine acting like it is hydrolocking. I then have to unplug the fuel injectors and crank it for a bit, and it starts up and dies when it runs out of fuel. Then I plug the injectors back in and it starts and runs excellent. I am getting between 25-27 mpg driving it very conservatively.

It only seems to flood if i turn the key to the run position and don't start cranking the engine over right away. If i just get in, put the key in and start cranking right away, then it doesn't flood and starts right away.

Any ideas on what the problem could be or had this problem themselves at one point? I was thinking either the fuel pressure regulator leaking back through the vacuum side or else leaky injector(s).

Thanks,
Paul

[ericem]

Sounds like a leaking injector. Maybe try some injection cleaner in the gas tank? Although I think it will require more then that. Probably better off getting used injectors of ebay maybe. I have a set too I think.

[Aerotech]

If it's trying to hydrolock, an injector's probably stuck open. Fix this ASAP, it may cause major damage. Change your oil too, as the fuel will leak past the rings into the sump.

[paulmeisterpk]

I've got an intake off of a 97 2.5 DOHC with injectors in it. I wouldn't be lucky enough to be able to use those injectors would I? Are 2.5 injectors the same as 2.2 injectors?

[Aerotech]

Plugs should fit... if anything, the easiest step would be to swap out the whole fuel rails, instead of disturbing the O-rings. Check the resistances of the injectors at the terminals, just to make sure the coils are the same. If so, your ECU should have no issue running them.

[SubyTechJoe]

Most likely cause is a failing Coolant Temp. Sender, This sender sends imputs to the ECM for cold start-up, as well as running. I have seen theses fail & not set a code. This causes Hard Starting cold, and rich running on initial start-up, even when warmed up.

[lucid_door]

Most likely cause is a failing Coolant Temp. Sender, This sender sends imputs to the ECM for cold start-up, as well as running. I have seen theses fail & not set a code. This causes Hard Starting cold, and rich running on initial start-up, even when warmed up.

I second this; I had black exhaust on cold starts and flooding on hot restarts, replaced the coolant temp sensor and it pops off like a gem now

[paulmeisterpk]

Update! I replaced my fuel pressure regulator with one I had laying around, and it hasn't flooded since. That was about 2 months ago now.