It doesn't happen all the time. Mostly when it has sat for a few hours or over night. Sometimes even when it is hot, though not very often. It has 126,000 miles and the plugs look good.

 

See if holding WOT when you go to start it helps. Have you checked the oil for a raw fuel smell? If the oil smells like fuel check the fuel pressure regulator vac line tip to see if its wet, if it is, replace the FPR, if not check the injectors for a leak. I just had this problem myself.

 

Sounds fuel related...Definitely test the fuel pressure for the car...Could be the pump, a check valve, fuel pressure regulator, injectors as said, etc.

Also, if you do a search on hard start problems, there is a TON of great info on this subject that could really help give you some key ideas...

Good luck,

Mike

 

I was thinking fuel related. I'll have to get a pressure guage and see what happens.

thanks

 

I can rule out the regulator it is dry. The oil has a strong smell to it but I don't think it is gas. I'll get a second opinion tomorrow.

Is there a specific way to check the injectors to see if they are leaking?

Right now this isn't a huge problem but I would like to figure it out before it becomes one.

 

Get your fuel pressure guage out and check things out, it sounds like your fuel pump is finished. Have you ever replaced it? I had the same problem around 100,000 km and the fuel pressure was very low when I cycled the key to start the car. As I continued cycling it the key it would slowly build up to where it should be (approx. 40 psi). It took about 6 or 7 cycles to reach 40 and it would fire right up. My fuel pump was pooched. Getting it replaced right now.

 

The fuel pump has an internal check valve that holds the fuel pressure after the pump shuts off (2 seconds) during the start sequence. If the check valve fails, fuel pressure will drop off rapidly when the pump stops, causing hard starting. Cycling the key multiple times will build up fuel pressure and allow you to start. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve on the fuel rail and see if the fuel pressure bleeds off quickly when the pump stops (cycle the key).

 

Well this thing hasn't acted up lately except for the one time yesterday. I'll just keep my eye on it and if it gets any worse then I start checking into it a little more.

Thanks for all the ideas and help guys.

 

OK I finally checked the fuel pressure and It's definately time for a new fuel pump. With out the car running it has the normal 43 lbs. but bleeds down to almost nothing. While the car is running it has 40 lbs. and when it is reved up to 3000 RPM's it drops down to 35 lbs. This is without a load so who knows how low it's getting while I'm driving.

Any recommendations on a new pump? I'm thinking Walbro.

 

to test under load tape the gauge to your windsheld.
-b