REcently I have been having some trouble getting my car started. Keep in mind taht all the symptums that Im about to tell you, started occuring after I got my Computer back from being reprogrammed by Ian. It will not start by simply turning the key anymore. I have to turnm the key for 2-3 seconds then left off while simultaniously pumping the throttle by foot. This is the only way that it will start and it in most cases it wont start anyways. When I first noticed the problem(the day I reinstalled the newly reprogrammed computer), it was not that bad. My car would start everytime as long as i went though the little proceure but as time went on, it got to where I would have to get lucky to start it. The car runs fine if I can every get ists started. Also I know that i have a Valve cover gasket on the drivers side that is slightly leaking air. This leak causes a ticking like a header leak. No biggy though. I just cant get it started. Does this sound like i need a new fuel pump or would you think that its something in the computer? Im gonna fix that gasket leak but I dont think that it is the solution to tthe problem that I am having.
What do you guys think? I e-mailed Ian and he thouhgt that the fual pump was a possibliity. Its finda frustrating. Is there anyway to tell while thhe car is broke down in my driveway?

 

Why would a leak in a valve cover gasket cause a "tick"? There is no significant pressure or vacuum in the valve covers, unless you have more blowby than the PCV system can handle.

What do you feel you are accomplishing by "pumping the throttle"? There is no accelerator pump and the PCM does not emulate an accel pump. All you are doing is allowing more air to enter the manifold. Have you ever tried starting it with the throttle held wide open (clear flood mode)? Did that improve the starting?

Have you ever measured the fuel pressure by priming the pump, then turning the key off and watching how fast the pressure leaks down? Have you measured the fuel pressue while trying to start the engine?

 

Troubleshooting 101:
What changed just before the problem occurred?