I have a 1995 Del Sol, 1.5, all stock no mods. I am trying to resolve a finicky no start when hot issue. The car has over 200,000 miles but runs and drives very well and it is reliable. When the car is cold (has sat for at least a few hours) it starts up right away. If I tur it off right away and turn the key agin it starts up, no issue. If I drive, say, for 30 minutes and shut it off and try to start it again it won't start (cranks but won't start like it has no spark). So, I wait 15 minutes and it starts, sometimes rough like it is flooded, but it starts. I searched the forums and did the following, changed the Main Relay and the Spark Plugs, Wires, and Cap and Rotor - no dice, exact same issue. This issue seems to happen more when it is over 50 degrees out. Also, if I drive the car for like 2 hours straight (which I do once a week) it seems to always start immediatly with no issue, like if I turn it off to get gas or something. Really tempermental this car...

Please let me know what to try and I will post a follow up regarding the outcome.

Thanks,

Sim

 

Check for stored engine codes even if you have not noticed a check engine light - you might see a code 6 for engine coolant temperature sensor, or what some people refer to as "TW" sensor.

When this sensor goes bad the engine is difficult to start only after the engine is hot/warmed up - it affects fuel delivery.

The engine coolant temp sensor is located under the distributor, and it has a two wire plug going to it. I'll try to find a diagram/picture.

 

Always pay attention to Tom^. He's the guru of gurus.

In addition, try some basic troubleshooting. When the engine won't start, turn the key from off to ON(II) and listen for whether the fuel pump primes for 2 seconds and whether the CEL remains on or turns off after 2 seconds. If the pump primes, next check for spark at all 4 spark plugs. Click the spark link in my signature.