My 97 t/a has been slow to start as of late. Takes about 30/45 seconds of cranking to get it to blast off. The car is a bone stock with 175K. Once it cranks it drives fine. Ran 14.20 about a week ago. There are no sounds coming from the starter. It acts just like a carbed motor waiting for the mechanical fuel pump to catch up. How do I check for a fuel problem if that is a possibility? Also, could a opti on its way out cause this kind of a slow cranking problem?

Thanks,
James

 

Sounds like your fuel pump in going bad. Next time you start it, turn the ign. on and off about 4-5 times and then see if it starts right up. If soo, your pump is going out or you have a really clogged up fuel filter. Try that and let us know. You can also if you have a fuel pressure gauge, hook it up to the fuel rail turn the key to the run postion and see what it reads.

 

Thanks,

I'll try that tommorow.

 

Could it be a starter going bad?

 

Starter still seems healthy, no problems spinning the engine over. No hot start problems, grinding or slow engagement either.

 

It would have to be cranking over REALLY slow for 30-45 sec. for it to be the starter. It sounds fuel related.

 

i think it's the battery because when it's cold it's hard to start but when it's hot it will fire right over i got a 96 with the same problem try another batt it's not the fuel pump

 

I am going to rule out the starter due to his statement here.

 

Thanks hotrod18_69 ,

Switched the key 4 times and it blasted right off. The fuel filter is coming off as soon as I get the tool for it. Not a cold battery problem either, its 71* here in the bayou state.