Hi All...

I am a new member to this forum. I own a 1995 Camaro Z28 convertible with the LT1.

Here is my question:

For the last month or so I have had difficulty starting my Camaro whenever the engine is cold. The starter turns over from anywhere from 5-10 seconds before it fires up. I also smell a strange odor in the cabin after it starts... not fuel. After I park the car and the engine is still warm, I can start the Camaro immediately on the first turn of the ignition. What gives? Any ideas?

Cheers... Rob

 

Same old thing probably.....check valve in the fuel pump allowing fuel to flow back toward the tank when it sits. Causes long cranking time. Next morning try this:
Turn key on but don't crank it. wait 3 or 4 seconds and shut it off. Then turn the key on again without cranking for about 3 or 4 seconds. Do this cycle 5 or 6 times and then finally try to crank it. If it fires up like it's warm. Viola either live with it or change the fuel pump.

If that doesn't help let us know.

 

Some parts stores rent fuel pressure gauges for no cost. Speedy sounds correct. You will not get a fuel smell with a drainback problem. It will not throw a check engine light either. Start there. If it is the fuel pump whatever you do get the best pump you can get WITH a new fuel filter.

 

I have similar symptoms with my 94 Camaro, 3.4L, 211,000 miles. Hard starting only in the morning. After several attempts it starts up and it starts normally after that. There's no fuel pressure when the key is turned on but you can hear the fuel pump humming for 2- 3 seconds so I think the fuel pump relay is good. I also replaced the fuel pressure regulator thinking it is leaking by or it's diaphragm is bad but it didn't fix the problem. I'll try your idea of turning it on without starting for 5 times then see if it starts once. What else could it be? Thanks for our help.