MAF or fuel pump relay?

[sweet3rdgen]

Hey guys. I had my alignment done thursday (just in time for hibernation) and when I went to pick the car she didn't want to start right away, like she was getting no fuel. After turning the key a couple times she started right up and started the next few times after that without incident. Later that night, when she was cold, the problem returned with the same results. The next morning same thing.

I have never had a problem starting before. I asked the tech if he had any problems and he said that the battery had died on him and that he put a charger on it, but beyond that no troubles. Could the charge been too high and fried the relay?

Last spring when I pulled her out of storage I noticed that some times she would bog when hard accelerating, which I believe is a sign of a bad MAF. The MAF has some control over fuel flow, does it not? Could this sensor be shutting fuel off?

Brian how much for a new MAF and fuel pump relay for a 90 max?

[Brian]

MAF is kinda easy to rule out, just unplug it. the car will still run but only up to about 2k.
A NEW MAF is dealer $400, rebuilts are like $150. you can pick up a used one for like $20. I have a spare one in the garage in case I need it.

[walec05]

sounds like a bad fule pump, or ignition problem

what year is your car again???

[sweet3rdgen]

The car is a 90.

The fuel pump is a new Walbro, so that isn't it. She runs fine, idles fine, it is only at start up and only then when cold. I am thinking relay. Once it trips the pump turns on and doesn't shut off. A bad pump could shut off at any time. The "bogging" only happens at higher RPMs, so I am thinking MAF for that.

I was thinking maybe the two events could be connected somehow. Thanks for the input.

[kcf881]

Try holding your key in the one position for 5 or so seconds before going to start. Let me know if it still has problems starting

[sweet3rdgen]

I have been having similar prob with my 90. I think it is the ECU. The starting circuit checks all of the ensors before it turns on the pump. I changed both relays and still no start. I am replacing the ECU this week.

[Brian]

did you go at it with a meter to see where the voltage stops?

[sweet3rdgen]

No I did the old educated guess thing. Then I contacted Matt.

[Brian]

hard facts > educated guess
you know better than throwing parts at it, especially if it's not been tested.
luckily the 3rd gen is easy to trace.
start at the pump and work your way backwards through the circuit.
also try using a jumper for the fuel pump relays.