I know its fuel related, I know its not the fuel pump. If the fuel pressure regulator was bad, and all the fuel drained back into the tank every time, I still don't think it would crank as long as it does, so I don't think thats it. The only thing I'm thinking is a cam sensor failure...but the opti is the cam sensor? soo...bad connection? or failing opti?

 

Does the motor eventually start? How do you know it's not the fuel pump? Did you do a thorough fuel pressure test? I can tell you from experience that a large majority of extended crank problems are fuel pump or fuel related. A good fuel pressure test gauge is invaluable in these situations.

 

the motor does eventually start, and run fine. And I just replaced the fuel pump.

 

Did you run another fuel pressure test after swapping out the fuel pump to verify their is no fuel pressure problem?

 

nope, i sure didn't do that.

Has anyone ever had this problem before?

 

Did you just replace the pump in an attempt to solve the extended cranking problem, or for some other reason? Did you have the extended cranking problem BEFORE you recently replaced the pump?

Pressure can be lost from the pump check valve failing, a leak anywhere between the pump and the pressure regulator, including the connections inside the fuel tank, from a leaking regulator or through leaking injectors.

Until you actually test the fuel pressure when the pump primes and then shuts off, you won't know if that is the source of the problem.