Car starts then dies - runs fine on second try

[DC12k]

I wanted to make sure before I go and drop $250 on fuel pumps.

This just started two days ago. When I start the car the engine starts and the rpm drops down until the car stalls unless I tap the gas a bit before it gets too low. If I then start the car again it will run fine and remain running. I have noticed that the car has a slightly rough idle that jumps up and down about 150rpm when the car hasn't been run for a few hours before, also.

I'm thinking one or both of my fuel pumps (there are two on '87 cars right?) may be on their way out. Is there any easy way to tell which one might be best to replace or should I just go and do both if I am right about the pump causing the problem?

Thanks for the help.

[RobertK]

My car has been doing this for about a year with no problems. I don't think it's the fuel pump but if you find out what is causing it let me know because I've never been able to figure it out.

[Adrian_Visser]

have u cleaned your icv lately?

[chuckybob]

its definetly air starvation. icv ftw. if the icv checks out, check the throttle control switch.

[DC12k]

Not sure about air starvation. If I turn the key but don't start it and leave it there for about 10 seconds it won't die but will drop slightly below normal idle then slowly recover. I'm slightly leaning towards fuel pressure but still trying things out to try and pinpoint. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check out the icv anyway.

[James Crivellone]

Crack a fuel line and verify you get good fuel flow up there without issue.

Could be a fuel filter issue as well, if the fuel pump has issues maintaining pressure

[DC12k]

Oh yeah I forgot to mention that when the car is started and goes to start stuttering the check engine light pops on. It actually isn't stalling all the time as it was a few days ago but the check engine light is still popping on most of the time.

[chuckybob]

if its throwing a cel, maybe the afm

[Adrian_Visser]

check the icv(8-11ohms no power, 450-500mA with power), clean it, check th tps(does it make a lil clicking sound?) check fuel volume(875ml in 30 sec) and pressure(40ish psi), if the tps is working properly and it is going on the idle circuit then it cant be the afm because the icu doesnt use afm input signal.

the reason i mention the icv first is because a fluctuating idle usually indicates that the icv is sticking because it is dirty