390se won't keep running.

[tweety]

Having vowed to use the wedge more this year I've been trying to get it out of hibernation. Firstly it wouldn't fire up at all but I think I've traced this to a poor earth. Now it starts but only for a few seconds then dies on its own without touching anything. The more times I try the shorter the running time until it won't start at all. I'm not sure if it's possibly over fuelling and then flooding as its like if the throttle is pushed too early and it dies instantly . I have a rising rate fuel regulator and this shows approx 48psi as its trying to start is this too high? I believe it ticks over around 30ish psi.
Any ideas and help would be much appreciated as with ghis weather I really want it back on the road soon.

Cheers, Al.

[wedgewood]

Do you have fresh fuel in the tank? Stale fuel seems to be causing all sorts of problems nowadays.
If so remove and rest a spark plug on the engine block, turn the engine over and check if you have a strong spark.
Sorry if you already know how to suck eggs etc!!

[KKson]

Try disconnecting the plug to the cold start injector in case it is over fueling. Is there a big fat spark at the plugs? if not then it could be the ignition amp on its way out. Have a look inside the dissy cap and check it's all clean and the rotor arm looks okay. Fuel pressure wise my 390 runs around 40psi. As a test pull the vacuum pipe off the regulator to see if that makes any difference? My experience with my Wedges is that it's usually something simple rather than fearing its an expensive Efi system problem. Also worth double checking all hoses into the plenum to see if there are any air leaks. Cheers.

[tweety]

Thanks for the suggestions. There is older fuel in the tank but I've just put a gallon of Shell super+ stuff in to help. I haven't checked the spark so will try that tomorrow. I've looked at plugs and air lines and can't see any problems. The dizzy cap is nearly new and is clean, same with rotor arm. Leads are newish Magnecors and plugs changed at same time, probably less than 1k miles for both. It's always been difficult to start from cold but used to be fine once started and left to warm up for a couple of mins. Oh well I'll have another go tomorrow. Any other suggestions greatly received.

Cheers,Al.

[Grady]

It took starter fluid to get my 280 to fire after a hibernation and assorted issues. Maybe a shot in morning would it it up and about? Helps me.

[tweety]

Thanks Grady, I did go and buy some cold start spray this morning before doing anything, but when it started after adding an extra earth lead to the engine I didn't bother using it, will try again tomorrow. The cold start injector is already disconnected and the fuel pressure gauge is now plumbed into its old feed.

Cheers, Al.