Oh, look for vacuum leaks downstream of the MAF sensor also.

 

It's really weird, the car has been starting fine since the upgrade to 93 octane. I dont know if that fixed anything or not, and I am not considering it "fixed"... I am going to reset the CEL and see if it comes back. If/when it does, I'll be after that fuel pressure.

Everything y'all said makes complete sense, and I know what I should be looking for. But if I check pressure with the car running, and I am getting ~55psi steady, is that going to indicate a problem with the valve holding fuel in the lines? Thats the part I am a little confused about. Or should it hold pressure once I shut the car off?

I'm not exactly a mechanic here haha, I can do some things, but these EFI systems are all Greek to me.

 

I'm out of this one - I really don't know how many more times we can explain it any better. If you haven't gotten it by now, you might be best advised to just take it to a mechanic if the issues come back.

 

Dang. Thanks for the... help? I dont think its been addressed yet...

I thought this was a forum for help? Do I need to be ASE Certified to be on here?

 

How many headers do you have, on your 4 cylinder HHR? Mine only has 1.

 

Ok great, mine too. Not my question, as I recall... let me check.


Ok, I was right. Or does the car hold fuel in the manifold when its shut off?

I am honestly not trying to be difficult. I deal with difficult and argumentative people all day long. I dont see where the confusion in my question is though. Its like I ask what color an apple is, and everyone is asking me about bananas.

Is this the wrong forum? I thought this is where HHR owners could get help and answers. Was I wrong?

 

Did you see post #16 that explained in detail what post #8 meant?

The pressure at the rail should be between 50 and 60 PSI, the engine does not have to be running just the key in "run". Then turn the key to "off" and see how long it takes to get to 0 PSI.
I believe post #16 explains that in "for the dummy" terms. That's a reference to the books, not personal.

If you read between the lines, the way to test the check valve with no gauge is to go out in the morning and release the Schrader valve on the rail. Gas in your face is relatively GOOD. But the pressure could still be lowish.

 

Ok thanks, I think I missed that thanks to a faulty mouse scroll. That makes much more sense, and I appreciate you pointing it out to me.

 

Oh man - are you kidding? You said it's running ok now you changed to 93 did you not? Of course you don't have to be ASE certified, but the people that try and help you out expect you to at least read what they write in trying to help you out.

if you wish to pursue the starting issue, do the fuel pressure test, and fuel rail residual pressure tests as has been suggested several times already - and just follow the appropriate tips and suggestions already given.

Be aware that by following any of the fuel related tests as suggested here, you do it at your own risk and peril.

 

IF, in fact, 93 octane fuel "fixed" the problem, the actual problem is probably worn out or incorrect spark plugs. But, could be a compression problem.