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Trouble starting when cold 1990 corvette

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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 10:54 AM
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Default Trouble starting when cold 1990 corvette

Starting about a year ago, it's taken about 2 attempts to start my vette when the engine is cold. Recently, it has progressed to about 4 to 5 tries before it starts. It cranks over but doesn't start until about the 5th try. However, when the engine is on...I can restart it right away. Even if it sits for 5 or 10 minutes, it will start away.

I've replaced the battery, the fuse/relay under the passenger dash. I'm thinking it's the fuel pump but was wondering if anyone has any other ideas before I jump into that.
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 01:17 PM
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Could be fuel pump, injectors, spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, ect...

When's the last time she had a tune-up?
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 02:02 PM
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Had it tuned recently
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 02:09 PM
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Idle Air Control Valve maybe? Is there a one way valve that prevents fuel from draining out of the fuel line back into the tank?
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 02:21 PM
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Oh what the heck is it called, it's a sensor but I can't recall the name of it. Old age I guess.

Coolant temp sensor maybe?

However I don't know if we have enough info. Are you saying at first start up? Or when it's cold outside?

You need to do a fuel system pressure test and see if you have bleed back and are getting good pressure. Sounds like you may not be.

however try this (I stole it from another forum)

Try this... Turn key to run, hear the pump run for a few seconds, then turn key to start for only a quick second, then wait three seconds, and start again. It should fire up right away. When you engage "start" for the first time, this signals the ECM to start the timing process.

Additional info: With one long crank it takes about 4 seconds of cranking to start.
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 02:32 PM
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As a followup you will need to determine first if you have pressure or bleed back issues on

Pump

Fuel filter

FPR

Injectors

It really sounds like that's your problem but you need to isolate it to which one first.
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 04:11 PM
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Sorry...to clarify, I meant it doesn't start right away when the engine is cold not the weather.

Also, I have tried turning the key to the on position for several seconds....didn't work.
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Old Nov 21, 2012 | 04:22 PM
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Sounds to me like fuel is slowly bleeding back from your fuel line into the tank when it sits.
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