Help! It takes a little extra to start my Vette now...

[dogfish246]

When I got my 96 back in December with 67k miles, it started right up. Now with 70k miles it takes a little longer to start... I have to hold the key down for 3-4 sec instead of 1 or 2. Any Ideas?

Also, for the first time the other day it would not start after 5 sec of cranking. I then let go and tried again and it started. It happens when the engine is hot and/or cold but mostly cold. The car runs great and nothing is wrong, but it just takes a little longer to start...

Thanks!:cool

 

[gmjunkie]

First thing I'd do is check the fuel pressure,It should pop up to 41-47 lb within 2-3 seconds of turning the key on to the run position!
If you have to turn the key on 2 or more times to get at least 41 lb fuel pressure, you have a clogged Fuel Filter,Fuel Pump going Bad,Possible Leaking Injector/s or Fuel Pressure regulator and need to do more testing!!

If the pressure pops up to 41 lb or more and then starts to drop off relatively quick,You probly have 1 or more Injector/s leaking down or faulty fuel pressure regulator!!

 

[Hib Halverson]

The Junkster is right. The first thing I'd do is check fuel pressure.

If, right after a hot start, the car acts like it flooded or rich, I'll guess leaking injectors.

 

[dogfish246]

Thanks Guys! How do you test the pressure, and what is the tool called? Also, where can I get the tool? Can I use my scanner to see if there is anything off or not right?

 

[Schrade]

Fuel pressure test. Just like putting a bike pump on a bike tire valve.

Go to youtube. Bunch of fuel pressure test vids there.

You need to do a static test, and note bleed-down time. Cold motor. Plug in the guage, turn on the key (not start the car). Note the pressure. Watch and write down how long it takes to drop to 0.

If it drops quickly, pull the vacuum hose off of the fuel pressure regulator, and see if you smell gas STRONGLY.

If so, the diaphragm is ruptured in the FPR, and the gas is gettin' drawn in through that hose. If no smell, the FPR diaphragm spring is weak, and it's not holding pressure (this might have been indicated also by insufficient INITIAL KEY-ON pressure reading).

Any FPR-related problem can be confirmed by clamping gently the fuel line before the FPR. You should get max pressure, and it should stay there, unless fuel gets by the pinch. If the pinch is good, and pressure drops anyway, injectors are leaking, or fuel is getting returned backwards. Black exhaust means leaky injectors. Clear exhaust probably means pump/check valve problems.

 

[dogfish246]

Ok! Thanks for your reply! VERY Helpful!