Takes a long time for engine to start
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,690
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From: San Diego, CA
Takes a long time for engine to start
Lately my '92 has been taking a long time start after I turn the key. The engine starts first try, every time, but usually it takes like 4-5 seconds for the engine to turn over. Any suggestions on what the problem might be and what needs to be done would be great. 
Thanks
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Well its either two things:
1. Fuel
2. Ignition
Does the pump prime when you turn the key? Wonder how your fuel pressure is looking? If you have a lazy pump or if you have a leak somewhere (e.g. a leaking injector) then it can extend start time.
In terms of the ignition, how old are all the major components? Opti? Wires, plugs, coil, module?
1. Fuel
2. Ignition
Does the pump prime when you turn the key? Wonder how your fuel pressure is looking? If you have a lazy pump or if you have a leak somewhere (e.g. a leaking injector) then it can extend start time.
In terms of the ignition, how old are all the major components? Opti? Wires, plugs, coil, module?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,690
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From: San Diego, CA
Im pretty sure everything you listed, other than (I HOPE!) the spark plugs are original. I just got the Vette a couple of weeks ago so I'm not exactly sure what been replaced recently on it ignition wise.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Turn your key on and remove the vacuum line from the Fuel pressure regulator and see if any gas is there. That means it is bad and was what was causeing my hard start problem it was dumping gas into the intake. Does it idle right on startup or runs a little rough for a few secs?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,690
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From: San Diego, CA
It usually idles perfectly when it finally does start up. Occasionally the idleing will kind of "lag" for one sec when started, and then the engine roars back up to where it should be. Also, no it is not any worse in hot or cold weather.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Does it start right after sitting overnight or ever? Does it always start poorly?AS CFI-EFI said it could be the pump relay. Put a guage on the rail and turn the key on it should kick in the relay and pressure up the rail. If you don't have around 40psi at that time the relay did not start.The pump WILL kick in when turning the engine over due to oil pressure turning the pump on. It will delay the startup till enough pressure is developed. Do both checks I have given you.I thought mine was an injector issue and wasted a lot of money only to find the pressure regulator was bad.
Last edited by Redeasysport; Mar 30, 2005 at 06:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,690
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From: San Diego, CA
Some times it will start right up after an overnight sit, but usually not. However it always starts right up if say I just turned the engine back off, and try to start it again.
Last edited by saniterium; Mar 30, 2005 at 06:29 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by saniterium92128
Some times it will start right up after an overnight sit, but usually not. However it always starts right up if say I just turned the engine back off, and try to start it again.
RACE ON!!!
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: USS Somewhere
I'm going to keep an eye on this thread. My 91 does the same thing. It takes a while to start when it is cold, but starts fine after it is warmed up. It runs great, so I can't decide whether or not to mess with the ignition or injectors.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: USS Somewhere
Sorry about the double posts, but I have a question. Is it bad on the starter or anything else to crank it for 4 to 5 seconds? Should I crank it for a couple of seconds, let off, and go at it again?
Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your input.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 371
Likes: 5
From: North West, Georgia
have a very similar problem, got the same advise.
Found i had a number of little things so far.
I know i have a bad fuel pump, some very suspect injectors, and fuel in the pressure reg vacuum line.
I replaced the pump due to cornering problems.
Already had some 26# injectors on the way (now replaced)
finally got the right pressure reg on it ... (my 96 LT1 has the LT4 mounting bracket).
Thought i had it all fixed .. had no problems 1st few times it fired right up.
Then it took about 5-10 seconds to crank the other day
Next stop replacing what looks like all original plug wires and all new plugs.
Ill let you know if i find something else that might prove helpful
Found i had a number of little things so far.
I know i have a bad fuel pump, some very suspect injectors, and fuel in the pressure reg vacuum line.
I replaced the pump due to cornering problems.
Already had some 26# injectors on the way (now replaced)
finally got the right pressure reg on it ... (my 96 LT1 has the LT4 mounting bracket).
Thought i had it all fixed .. had no problems 1st few times it fired right up.
Then it took about 5-10 seconds to crank the other day
Next stop replacing what looks like all original plug wires and all new plugs.
Ill let you know if i find something else that might prove helpful
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
From: Hanging out back with the dark horses. Wa.
I have an 88 and what I am seeing is that if the out side temps are in the 50's and high humidity I have this same problem. I was thinking it was that dead space between the cold start FI and it being warm enough that it's not needed. Something to think about.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 980
Likes: 2
From: Chandler AZ
Originally Posted by Shoregasm
You got some leaky injectors..My 92 did the same thing.I had two that were seeping pressure.I replaced them all with some known good ones and never happened again.
I had this same problem on my 89 GMC Jimmy. Mine was caused by a leaky TBI injector O-ring. It did the same EXACT thing. The way I found out, after determining there was a pressure drop was when the car was cold, jumpered the FP relay. I let the pump run for 10 seconds or so untill I got back in the car. It started in half a second even when cold. Then the search for the pressure leak began. Found signs of seapage and took care of the issue. Look for leaky injectors, pressure regulator, and pump.
Best of luck.
Last edited by VAHROOM; Apr 1, 2005 at 01:03 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by sniperdiver37
I have an 88 and what I am seeing is that if the out side temps are in the 50's and high humidity I have this same problem. I was thinking it was that dead space between the cold start FI and it being warm enough that it's not needed. Something to think about.
When I had the injectors leaks (hard to start when hot), the car started right up when the engine is cold (any time the coolant temp. was below 100). Above 100, it took forever to started.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by bmann08
Sorry about the double posts, but I have a question. Is it bad on the starter or anything else to crank it for 4 to 5 seconds? Should I crank it for a couple of seconds, let off, and go at it again?
Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your input.
