I would like your input on my starting issue. The good news is this problem is very specific: When the car has been sitting all night and I try to start it early in the morning (especially on cold mornings) it cranks over as normal but I can tell it’s not even trying to start. At this point, I wait about 10-15 seconds, then I try to start it again. If it doesn’t start at this point, I will wait another 15-20 seconds and try it a 3rd time. Usually by this time it will fire right up. Then, I can drive it around the whole day, run errands, stop here and there and runs perfectly fine the whole time. I just changed out my ICM and installed a new coil but there has been no change to the problem. Seems to me it’s an electrical issue. What about the ignition pickup? The distributor probably has about 35-40K on it at this point. How do test the pickup? What should the reading be? If it is suspect, I would like to test it when the car is dead cold and on a cold morning. Your thoughts on what the problem is? Thanks, Kit
I would like your input on my starting issue. The good news is this problem is very specific: When the car has been sitting all night and I try to start it early in the morning (especially on cold mornings) it cranks over as normal but I can tell it’s not even trying to start. At this point, I wait about 10-15 seconds, then I try to start it again. If it doesn’t start at this point, I will wait another 15-20 seconds and try it a 3rd time. Usually by this time it will fire right up. Then, I can drive it around the whole day, run errands, stop here and there and runs perfectly fine the whole time. I just changed out my ICM and installed a new coil but there has been no change to the problem. Seems to me it’s an electrical issue. What about the ignition pickup? The distributor probably has about 35-40K on it at this point. How do test the pickup? What should the reading be? If it is suspect, I would like to test it when the car is dead cold and on a cold morning. Your thoughts on what the problem is? Thanks, Kit
My first thought (seeing as how it's a V6), is that the cold start injector is not firing. The engine needs a lot more fuel when cold... and without the injector firing, it likely won't do anything unless you really crank it. But I'd have to hear what the cranking sounds like.
- Does it start quicker / sooner if you spray starting fluid or WD-40 into the throttle body just before trying to start it? - Can you verify that when you're first cranking, there's no spark (take off a plug boot, and connect a tester to it)?
Do a fuel pressure test foist! I have one if you wanna borrow it lemme know. Starting fluid when it wont start will tell you if its a fuel related issue. If it runs on starting fluid, its a fuel problem. If not its electrical or both.
All you guys are giving me good input. 😀 As I mentioned to Shemdogg, I decided to just go out and buy a new fuel pressure tester kit. It’ll be here next Tuesday. In the meantime, I will test the ignition pickup and report back and I will try the starter fluid and see if it fires right up on the first try or if it’s still playing games.
On a different note, is there a possibility my fuel system/ fuel rail is not staying pressurized? I ask because after I crank the engine for three consecutive cranking sessions (and then it starts and drives and starts fine the rest of the day) I was thinking maybe I have low fuel pressure when it sits overnight? Is it correct to check fuel pressure after it sits for a long period and BEFORE I begin cranking the starter? Kit Kit
Kit, fuel pressure is built up almost instantaneously when the fuel pump is energized.
As mentioned previously, I'm wondering if your cold start injector is doing its thing. Make sure the electrical connector for the cold start injector and for the switch is firmly attached and corrosion free.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 01-11-2025).]
Patrick/Vintage-Nut, thanks for the tips. You guys are giving me some really good stuff to check out and verify. I’ll get back with all the results. 😀 Kit
Vintage-Nut, I know you PM’d me and I thank you for all the advice. 😊 I’m sorry for not replying yet. I was going to wait to respond to you after i install ed the new fuel pressure regulator. I tried to find a way to get around the intake to pinch off the return line but I can’t see how you can even access it. (at least without having to take off the upper plenum) so I decided to to go with my assumption that the fuel pressure regulator spring is weak and is allowing the fuel pressure to bleed down too quickly, too soon. I have already ordered & received an AC Delco fuel pressure regulator from Rockauto and will install it after I finish my side scoop install project. Thanks again, Kit
[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 03-21-2025).]
...so I decided to to go with my assumption that the fuel pressure regulator spring is weak and is allowing the fuel pressure to bleed down too quickly, too soon.
I'd go with the assumption that the short piece of "rubber" hose in the gas tank has deteriorated/cracked and is leaking.
