Hey guys,

I have been having some trouble starting my car lately. It has long crank times before firing, which leads me to believe I'm having a fuel pressure issue.

I originally though it was an ignition system problem, because the car wont start at all when it is damp out (i.e. raining), but virtually every component of my ignition system is new (including my Optispark), so I've ruled that out for now. But I have notice something else....

When I turn the ignition key to the on position, should the fuel pump cycle on every time? Because mine doesn't. It seems intermittent.

But even if it is a fuel pressure issue... that leaves me confused as to why I cannot start the car in the rain. Anyone have an expolination for that?

Thanks

 

Fuel pump should prime when you turn the key to "on". Check the pressure to determine it that's the cause of the hard start. Pump should provide at least 40psi when it primes, and hold that pressure. If pressure drops quickly, could be the check valve in the pump (not replaceable), faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking injectors or leaking lines.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Checking fuel pressure was next on my list.

I doubt its leaky lines (no smell of fuel at all... and my truck leaked gasoline not long ago, so I would catch it).

As for the fuel pump cycling on every time I turn the key to the "on" position... mine does not. So this is starting to look like the problem (or part of it)?

Also, of the suggested problems... can any of them explain the no start condition in the rain?

Thanks!

 

I don't think it primes EVERY time. Like if you just set there and cycle the switch off/on/off/on/off/on, it won't come on back to back like that. Seems like a little bit of time has to pass. At least how that's how mine acted for years.

 

i would check the coil or coil wires if the fuel pump checks out fine. I had that same problem, and once i did get my motor started after the hard starts, it wouldnt rev past 4500 rpm. Just turned out to be a frayed coil wire. The fuel pump might not have a noticable audiable noise if theres enough pressure in the line, which there would be if u put the ingition in the on position with the past few minutes

 

Had a problem with my 95 Bronco 5.8. It would start sometimes and sometimes it would just crank away without starting. As I recall, I could hear the FP prime each time, but it just wouldn't start and I did not smell any fuel.

Apparently the FP was worn to the point that if it would stop on a certain spot, it wouldn't work. Had it replaced and seems to work fine now.

FP lasted about 136K. Don't know how long the LT1s last.