corey0224

Ok, I need your help sometimes my car will start right up and sometimes it might turn over for 5 seconds before it starts and it's getting worse. At first I thought it might be the opti since it's the original and the car has 180K on it, but once started the car runs perfect no high rpm miss no miss anywhere. So I searched the message boards and alot of people are saying that even after they changed their opti's they are still having the problem. I found several threads saying that the ignition switch was the problem so I replaced mine with a brand new GM replacement, problem still there. I don't know what to do so I'm calling on the Camaro community since we always look out for each other.

Thank you for your time it's really appreciated, Corey

GhostZ28

any codes? sounds like fuel pressure problems if it takes a few seconds to start. When it "turns over" are you positive its getting spark?

corey0224

no codes, I mean SES light not on so I would think all is well...Another thing, this seems to happen after the car sits for 30 minutes or more. If I kill it then immediately try to start it it will fire right up everytime.

Injuneer

Its pointing to the fuel pressure falling off rapidly when you shut the engine down. Put a fuel pressure gauge on it, turn the key to "on" (don't start engine). Pressure should initially exceed 40psi. Pump will shut off after 2 seconds, turn key to "off", see how fact the fuel pressure drops. If it falls off quickly, could be a problem with the check valve in the fuel pump, a problem with the fuel pressure regulator, or leaking injectors.

For future reference, not all codes turn on the SES light.

corey0224

Ok, where do you hook up the pressure gauge to and is it difficult to get to?

Injuneer

Hook the fuel pressure test gauge up to the Schrader valve. You might want to familiarize yourself with Shoebox's website. He has a 95 Z28, and he has used it as the basis for one of the most valuable websites on the 'net for 93-97 F-Body owners:

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech1.html

Specifically for the Schrader valve (you have to unscrew the black plastic cap):

http://shbox.com/1/fp_reg.jpg

95z28onjuice

i agree check fuel and spark but i think the fuel pressure regulator check valve is no longer holding pressure so when you trt and start the car for the first time the line is dry and has to prime before it will start. this could be the pump or regulator so check them both. and dont replace with and aeromotive regulator bc they are not set up for holding pressure like the factory one is

corey0224

Replaced the stock pump with a 255 lph pump I bought on eBay for 48.00 problem fixed! I decided to do the trap door method, very easy I used tin snips to cut the floor. The hardest part was making the new pump work with the fuel pump bucket. Now I've discovered a new problem, when I folded the carpet back to cut the floor for the trap door I found moisture underneath the carpet on the drivers side. The carpet was not wet on top and I checked the backseat, rear floorboards and did not find dampness anywhere. Where do think this moisture is coming from?

Thank you, Corey

Injuneer

Suggestion - start a new thread for the wet carpet.

corey0224

Thanks for the suggestion I'll do that if think I will get more hits...

Thanks, Corey

Guy Ligier

So just to follow up and let community know what nailed my problem with this:
About two years ago I was having a hard time starting, too. It would crank and crank, and then once started, it would roar to life. But it would drive pretty well, with no other problems (so no spark issues).

1. Other forums suggested that I replace the fuel pressure regulator, and though it was little bit of a pain (because it has a torx screw facing the firewall!), it turns out it wasn't that...still crank, crank.

2. The other fuel pressure check valve on a Camaro is in the fuel pump itself, deep in the gas tank, under the trunk, and cannot be replaced on its own. It requires you to totally replace the fuel pump, which is a pain! (The pump retails for about $160-$200).

3. In talking to my expert friend he says that GM's design on this uses the gasoline to lubricate and cool the pump, and that if you run the gas tank dry (or even come close to running dry) just once, then boom, you will burn it out. It's a very built-in-obsolescence kind of design that we're all familiar with throughout the 4th gen series. (Boo GM engineers!)

4. My friend replaces these all the time. He says that 12 years is average, and that if you're at 20 years like my '96, and the engine runs well once started, then that is the FIRST thing you should replace! if nothing else, just as a preventative measure so you don't get stranded somewhere on the inside lane of a freeway.

Replaced my fuel pump, and now it's just like when I first got it: "Click, -just one crank- and Vroom, vroom!"