I have a 96 Firebird 3.8 5spd with 140k. The car has had a hard-start condition for as long as I have had it, which is about 20k. It has gotten worse, but the car starts every time, it just takes 2 or 3 attempts. The problem is this: The fuel pressure spikes with the key on and the engine off (while the pump runs) but drops to 0 after the pump shuts off. The pressure is steady around 43psi at idle, but drops to 0 when the engine is turned off. Obviously, something is causing the pressure to bleed off when the pump isn't running, but I don't know what it is. The car does not leak gas. What should I check next? Could a faulty gas cap cause this? What about the vent lines back to the tank?

thanks,
Dave

 

I had a problem like that and it was my fuel regulator. My car would act like it was flooded if it sat for more than 10mins, but if it sat for longer than 3 hours it was fine again. I don't know if this is your problem but it would be a good thing to check.

ronnie