I recently purchased a 97 ss M6 with 94000 miles. After the car has been sitting for a period of time (>3 hours) it takes an extend cranking period befort the car starts. After the car is warmed up it generally starts just fine. it has a new fuel relay, coil and spark plugs. wondering if it could be the opti or somthing eles. any imput would be appreciated. also, the service engine soon light recently came on and has not gone off. thanks!

 

You could try putting a gauge on there and see what the fuel pressure is doing when you are having the hard start. Another possibility would be the coolant temperature sensor.

 

Where do you live?? If its as cold as it is now in Michigan it might be that your battery charge is low. Check that too.

 

Mine used to do this, then one day it just quit and my fuel pump started whining a lot more than normal. So I am sure it is fuel related. The whine is a good trade-off for looking stupid when my car doesnt want to start... Try turning the key into the on position and let it sit for a few seconds, do this 2 or 3 times and see if it starts right up. If it does it is most likely your fuel pump getting weak and not holding pressure like it is supposed to.

 

Im betting your loosing fuel pressure...

 

Hey guys, thanks for the great comments. i will use your advice when trying to diagnose the problem.

 

The low coolent sensor light is on as well as the check engine soon light, how would the low coolent sensor affect the problems im having with the cold start? thanks!

 

It won't.

Your long starting is probably from a fuel related problem. Either it's draining back toward the tank or dripping in the intake. More than likely it's from the most common problem of draining away from the fuel rails cause of the check ball in the fuel pump.

Next time you try to start the engine after sitting for long period of time try this.
Turn the key on but don't crank it for 3 seconds. Then off for 3 seconds. Do this 5 or 6 times and then crank it over. If it starts right up you proved the problem.

 

well, i tried your tip about turing the key to on position 3 or 4 times before turning on the car. it seemed to fire up a little easier after doing that. im thinking it may be the fuel pump. how difficult is replacing a fuel pump on a 97 ss. is the pump in the fuel tank? thanks!

 

Yeah it's in the tank. I would do one more thing before you diggin in though. Get a fuel pressure gage and monitor what happens when you shut off the engine and up to 3 hours later. Then do the KOEO trick I suggested again and see what pressure is doing. That is if you want to do like me and double confirm. If not, it's ok too.

Then you can either do the long method of replacement by removing the back half of the exhaust and pull the tank down. OR

Cut an access hole in the rear hatch area under the carpet and not have to remove anything.

Keep the quick method in mind as the problem you are having is VERY common with the check ball in the fuel pumps.

You could choose to add a check valve inline however it gets a little complicated with plumbing.

 

ya my fuel pump started whining more then usual just lately whats up with it? I think its stock like 95k on the pump

 

If i buy a fuel pressure gauge, where/how would i install it and what should the pressure be when i turn the key to the on position, but not start, pressure while running and 3 hours after i turn the car off. Thanks again for all your help.

 

Go to LT1 tech. site (shoeboxe's---everything you ever wanted to know site) and look up on checking your fp.)

 

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