I was driving the other day and stopped at a stop light, and after about a minute my car completely died. I turned the ignition off, let it sit for about 30 seconds, then tried to start it again. It didn't start until about the third time I tried turning the engine over. I have no idea why it did this, do any of you? I heard from another camaro owner that their's used to do this too if it was sitting at idle. If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them!!! Thanks

 

My 89 RS, L03, did that as well...maybe like 3 times when I owned it. I never did figure out what it was though. I assume it was wiring or something, but I hope you get some answers.

 

Any one?

 

I've had HEI ignition modules go "bad" over time. Similar situation as what you describe. Either die while engine was running or periodically not start. Given almost 20-20 hindsight, I'd bet the thing would screw up whenever it got too hot. I don't know what "too hot" really was... But, situations like sitting still and idling or no restart after running were the most problematic.

Unfortunately, I don't know to test for this unless you check for spark when it leaves you stranded. It might be worth it to swap out the module if you have access to a spare??

 

Also everytime I start my car lots of white smoke come out
could that be related to the HEI module or something related to spark?

 

My Chevy truck does the same thing. In the morning sometimes it is very hard to start. When it does start, it smokes a bit and then stops. Stopping at lights is very unpleasant because it has a miserable stumble. Have tried new fuel filter, cap, rotor, good cleaning, and still there. It only will happen after the truck exceeds 35 MPH, when the computer decideds to adjust the fuel mixture. IF the truck doesnt start too well in the morning, it will continuously die until it warms up excessively. My guess is as good as yours. Would really like to know what the deal is too if anyone has experienced this and fixed it. Starting to consider doing a retro-carburetor conversion here. Drives me crazy.

 

I ASSume you mean white smoke comes out of the exhaust. Not from under the hood......

I'd have a hard time believing the HEI is responsible for the smoke. Sounds more like a mechanical engine problem (potentially head gaskets?) than electrical. Are you seeing any coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant? Does this happen when the engine dies, too?

nn2004 : If you are certain this is only happening when the ECM is trying to adjust fuel, you might want to replace your oxygen sensor. If it's sending the wrong signal to the ECM, it could be the cause of this problem. You, too, will probably want to consider the mechanical state of your engine. If the engine is "smoking", it could be worn out. (And, depending on the cause of the smoke, could be killing the O2 sensor!)

 

I must appologize for putting this in y'alls car forums, but I was told you guys are THE Tbi experts to talk to. The smoke, yes, is in the exhuast, and only for about 2 seconds. I should also explain that my fuel system is very rigged, and the fuel pump runs regardless of if the engine is running as the oil pressure switch that is supposed to enable the fuel pump has been bypassed 100%. They rewired the whole thing. Maybe it is getting excess fuel since I turn the key on 5 seconds before starting it usually kinda like a diesel. Maybe not. The engine runs great, especially if I never exceed 35 MPH. The manual states that after the truck reaches 35 MPH, then the computer will start tuning the TBI to run better. As long as you stay under 35, it thinks it is cold or what not. I will try a new O2 sensor here after I move. I dont know the maintenance history on this thing since I have only had it a month or less, and dont drive far usually. It's just a matter of playing catch up, and apparently on this truck, a tons of rewiring. Thanks for the input..

 

Maybe clean out the IAC valve to help maintain the idle when stopped.
I have also heard that if the CTS is bad, it will run rough when it first starts.
I have the same rough running at initial start-up, but after the engine is warm, it evens out. I'll be replacing the CTS by this weekend, so I'll let you know if it's had any effect.

 

The smoke at startup is almost definitely your valve seals. Most of these sbc's do that after some miles, it's no big problem if you don't mind the smoke for a few seconds, other than that it won't do much.

 

alli, Have you tried checking for any stored codes?

 

No don't know how

 

You complete the circuit with a paper clip like in the picture I am attaching below (as long as you have a 12 pin connector and this is under the steering wheel) Turn the switch to run not cranked. The check engine like will flash once then twice quickly to let you know the computer is working (it will do this twice) then it will flash your code (twice) and if you have more than one it will flash the next code. Then it will flash 1 and 2 to let you know it is done.

My opinion is the EGR valve is sticking and needs to be cleaned.

Then you will need to look up the code number, I think EGR is 34?

GL