I haven't been around here much for years, but used to be a regular.

My 96 has roughly 79k miles on it now and I don't drive near enough, but we have started having some cruise nights locally and I have pulled out of the garage for these events and it will mostly run fine. However, at times it cranks over many times before it actually fires up and runs. Once it starts it is fine, but after it sits a while it is again slow to start.

I am thinking it could be a fuel pressure issue. It does have an aftermarket regulator and has been on the car for 20+ years. Also has the original fuel pump.

What would you look for to fix this issue?

James

 

Unfortunately, no one has been around here very much any more. Site is dead…. more spammers than active members.

The classic (possible) cause of extended cranking on restart after sitting for a while is a faulty check valve in the fuel pump. The “cure”, or at least confirmation of that diagnosis is to cycle the key back and forth rapidly between “RUN” and “OFF” several times before turning the key to “START”. If it starts quicker, that’s the most likely cause. If it doesn’t improve the situation, time to check the fuel pressure to see how quickly it drops after the pump primes for a couple seconds and shuts off.

On the other hand, if the exhaust smells rich when the engine starts, could be other causes, including a leaking injector or two. The test for that is to put the accel pedal on the floor before turning the key to “START”, holding it on the floor, turning key to “start”, continuing to hold it on the floor until the engine starts. That puts the PCM in “clear flood” mode,

 

Injuneer.. Great to see you are still around. I hate how facebook killed all the old forums I visited.

I noticed that it acted like it was flooded and holding the pedal to the floor helps. I hadn't been driving it, but maybe once a year. It has ran rich for quite a while now.

Thanks... James

 

Hi. Kinda new bee here. Glad someone has come on finally.I take it that you had the Battery, Alternator and started checked for draw, charging and voltage? Sometimes letting your vehicle sit for awhile, wether it be a bike or auto escalates slow prolems into imediate problems. Maybe you have a slow draw on the Battery and by the time you need it, it's a low voltage. I am no where near a top mechanic, but this is stuff I look at before searching a mechanic. Or maybe corosion built-up on ground wire Battery terminals finally catch up.... Just thoughts for esay fixes if needed.

 

Well, he said it cranks fine, so IDK if these things would be a real concern at this time. Reserve battery power is a concern, though, if you don't drive the car a lot and don't have a battery maintainer on it.
OP, as a start, I would definitely check the fuel related items as Engineer suggested.

 

I do keep a battery tender on it and even replaced the battery last year. I don't think it is a power issue, but I do think it is fuel related with either as mentioned leaking injectors or bad valve in the pump. I'll have to spend some time investigating. It will be a couple of weeks before I can dig into it, but I was looking for recommendations.

James

 

ok, I notice that now. Thanks.

 

OP, once the motor starts and runs, shut it off and pull the vacuum hose off the FPR. If the inside of nipple is wet with fuel, your fuel pressure regulator is bad. Symptom, prolonged crank time

A fuel pressure gauge is a must have to properly diagnose any fuel delivery problem

 

Thanks.... I will give it a try. I may can rig up a fuel pressure gauge.

 

some auto part stores offer a loan a tool program for FP test gauge with a Schrader valve attachment. I bought the HyperTech one 25 years ago but $ has go up significantly since then