97 GTS hard start no power

[z76232]

Hi Guys
I just got a 97 GTS with 7K miles on it. It's from CT. now in AZ. It's having a hard time starting. You crank and crank and when it catches it pops and sputters and then finally smoothes out. When I drive it, there seems to be no power when you punch it. I just sold my 02 Z06 to buy it and the Z06 would run circles around it. Something is just not right. My best friend has an 02 RT/10 that would run circles around the Z06. Could it be one of the trottle bodies is not working? It has a new exhaust system on it and they might have pulled the cats off. Would that make a difference? I'll have to put them back on anyways if they are off. Won't pass emissions here in Phoenix area. Anybody reccomend a good tuner in the Phoenix area?
There's a few more issues I'm not happy with but I'll get into that after I get it running good. One thing at a time. Any help is really appreiated.
Thanks
Dave Prine

 

[Viper Wizard]

Sounds like a fuel pump. A lot of 97's needed a fuel pump!

Fuel pump #5011546AB MSRP $574.00 [less 20% VCA discount ]
914-763-3136

 

[99 R/T 10]

Could also be the battery, but check to see if you can hear the fuel pump prime for a couple of seconds when you turn the key to ON. If no prime, no start.

 

[z76232]

I think and hope your right on the battery. It was on a truck for a week and the battery was dead when we pulled it off the truck. We jumped it to get it started. Let it idle and ran it around the block a few times. Battery got enough of a charge from doing that to start it up a couple of times more but feels real weak. After it was running, would the battery cause it to not have the power a Viper should? Idles OK after it starts put when you put you foot in it there's no kick like my friends. His will kick the rear end sideways, mine won't even press you back in the seat. $6 bills for a fuel pump is tight right now after just getting it.
Thanks Guys

 

[Steve-Indy]

As above...if you turn key to run (NOT start) then off then run for 3-4 times THEN to start and it starts smoothly, your fuel pump has a leak-down problem.

Also, think about a new fuel filter on a car that age...as FEW folks ever change them.

I would get a new battery regardless.

 

[SYNFULL]

These cars are very finicky when it comes to the battery and can act very strange when it's not 100%. Autozone has a good battery for a reasonable price. I would start there.

 

[Martin]

Definitely check all the easy stuff first - like fuel filter, air filter, gas quality, fuel pump pressure, injectors. I also have a '97 GTS with low miles, and when they sit around that much, strange things can happen. If it has been sitting around with the same gas in it for long enough, you could see some of the symptoms you're mentioning. Also, as mentioned, the fuel filter could be dirty or all full of water if the previous owner let the car sit across seasons with a nearly empty tank.

The popping and sputtering that you mention is also typical when the ECM has been reset. If the battery went totally dead for long enough, sometimes that will happen and you have to give it some time to re-learn what it's supposed to do.

If it keeps doing bad things, first thing I'd do is check the leakdown on the fuel pump and check the fuel filter. If that's OK, then see what you can do about getting all the gas out of the tank and refill with some good Chevron and a bottle of Red Line injector cleaner. While you're at that, take a look at the air filter and see if a mouse or rat made a nest in the airbox and is obstructing the flow of air (don't ask how I know that is possible...).

With 7K miles, it should barely be broken in and it should run strong as heck.

 

[z76232]

Thanks for the help. I'm off for a week starting on Friday so I'll start checkiong all of the above. Do you know what the fuel pressure should be? Last night I went to start it again and it was dead. I put a charger on it so maybe I can check the fuel pump build up. I turned the key back and forth last night before I tried to start it and you could hear the fuel pump hum each time I turned on the key. That's about all the juice the battery had though.
Thanks again
Dave Prine

 

[Steve-Indy]

Operating fuel pressure is 55 psi.

 

[Mopar Steve]

You guys crack me up. Problem posted, the one guy you all say knows everything says "fuel pump" then all the other suggestions come in. While I agree the battery causes many issues, my money is on the wizzard!

 

[z76232]

Re: 97 GTS hard start no power (UPDATE)

My son in-law did a lot of work on the GTS today. Filled the AC, changed out the battery and checked the fuel pressure. It still starts hard. Turning the key back and forth 5 times, running the fuel pump makes it start easier, has 50lbs pressure so it's leaking back, running a lot stronger now put still not what it should yet. It was running 240 degrees when I shut it down. I had been running it pretty hard with the AC on. Is there any modes or suggestions on cooling it down? Anyone add a pusher fan to help. Looks like it would have the room. Slowing turning into what it should be. I think the computer is rethinking itself right now. I'll drive it some more this week and see if it gets any stronger. I have some splitfire plugs coming for it.
Thanks for the help
Dave Prine

 

[Mopar Steve]

Forget the splitfire plugs. That has been discussed here for years many times. Your best bet is cheap Champions.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I have a $100 electronic box fix; I should make some more of these...

http://forums.viperclub.org/showthread.php?t=593900&highlight=primer+timer

 

[jcaspar1]

Leakdown will cause hard starting but it should run great once it starts.