Third start's a charm - advise?

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Oct 31, 2004 | 01:16 AM

HotWheels

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Gilbert AZ US

Third start's a charm - advise?

A year ago, I purchased a daily driver so I could give my Vette the rest and relaxation it deserved. I fire it up once every 2 weeks or so for a drive. I've noticed that it no longer fires up on the 1st turn of the key. It cranks until I stop, it cranks again until I stop and finally on the third cranking session, it fires up. I have an Optima Gel Battery that's exactly 2 years old. Could this be the result of a low charge (due to the infrequency of use)?

Any thoughts, suggestions or comments would be very welcomed!!

thanks,
HWheels

Last edited by HotWheels; Oct 31, 2004 at 01:21 AM.

Oct 31, 2004 | 06:12 AM

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 1999

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From: MI

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HotWheels

Sounds like the fuel pressure is bleeding down over time....here is a simple test.

Turn of all the noise makers in the car such as the radio. Place the key in the IGN and place it to the RUN position, you should hear the fuel pump run a few seconds and then stop. Place the key in the OFF position and repeat these steps 3 times.

Next, place the key in the start positon and it should fire up, if it does than you have a leaking check valve in the fuel line.

Good luck,
Kevin

Oct 31, 2004 | 06:46 AM

Smoke-N-Shot

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From: Lynnfield MA

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Did you use a fuel stabilizer in it before you put it in storage?

Oct 31, 2004 | 07:24 AM

Richin Chicago

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2001

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From: Wilmington NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotWheels

If it cranks you have plenty of voltage for the ignition and other needs. As suggested above it sounds like the check valve isn't holding the fuel pressure.

Oct 31, 2004 | 09:11 AM

VetteDrmr

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Hot Springs AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69

Sounds like the fuel pressure is bleeding down over time....

This happens quite a lot on all types of modern FI cars. You'd probably never see the problem if you drove her daily.

Have a good one,
Mike

Oct 31, 2004 | 11:59 AM

Evil-Twin

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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA

St. Jude Donor '03-'04

You could always add a carburator with a fuel bowl and accelerator pump.. then pump the pedal before you start the car..
seriously...more than likely its your check valve . you could try Techron fuel additive..

Nov 2, 2004 | 12:49 PM

HotWheels

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Gilbert AZ US

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin

......more than likely its your check valve . you could try Techron fuel additive..

Ironically the Chevron Gas (w/ Techron) is what screws up my fuel gauge. I get erroneous readings w/ Chevron gas as it marks "E" "Low Fuel" on a full tank of gas. I'll have to try the "turn the key 3 times" technique. Thanks for the information...this Forumn is AWESOME!!

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