I have noticed something lately. For the past week, everytime I start my car, it would take longer to crank up than before. Ever since I got my car, it would turn over about 2 times and crank right up. Now, it turns over 3, 4, 5, and now 6 times before it finally cranks up. This problem seems to get worse with every startup. Any ideas?

This is my recent maintenance list:

Replaced plugs, fuel filter, air filter, o2 sensor.
Cleaned red temp sensor.
Flushed tranny.
Changed oil.

Things that need to be done:
Replace PCV valve, radiator flush, and replace thermostat.

Thanks for your help.

 

Heh, the FSM lists 3 scenarios: starting when cold, hot, and "normal". When do you have this problem? Does your car seem to otherwise perform okay?

One common theme in the diags is fuel pressure. I assume though that since the car drives that the pump isn't shot, but I wonder if it's possible that the fuel is leaking back down into the gas tank? Normally a certain amount of pressure is retained in the system (I think), but if the gas is somehow allowed to drain back down it'd take a few cranks while pressure builds back up. Not exactly sure how you'd test this or if it's simply a function of the system being sealed properly or a check valve somewhere...

Help someone?

 

I have this exact same problem...with me I cant even pinpoint when it does it, becuz it just makes no sense at all.
The car will start right up in the morning, when its sat all nite with frost on it, but thru out the day it will do the whole turning over crap like mentioned in the post above.
I just had my fuel filter replaced.
Im also getting significantly worse gas milage then ever in the past, even after the new fuel filter...help me too..and ideas?

 

The cars seems to perform fine. Except for this freaking hesitation problem. That's another story. Well, maybe it isn't. Last night, I went around a turn at an intersection going about 15 mph, I stomped the gas and the car felt like it shut off for about 1 second. After that 1 second of hesitation, the car jumped as usual and took off. Do you think it's connected with my starting problems? I doubt it.

Okay, back to my starting problem. When I usually have the problem, it's when the car has been sitting for atleast an hour. So, it's had time to cool down. Last night, I shut my car down after hours of driving. And then immediately cranked it up....it took about 1 engine turn and it fired up. So, the problem arises when the engine is anything cooler than normal.

So, what does the FSM say about it? I would like to check it out. The problem is getting worse with every startup. I am hoping it doesn't leave me stranded anytime soon. Thanks.

 

that will effect your start up..

 

I have not advanced my timing yet. It should be at the stock 15*. I haven't touched it since I got the car. But, I plan on advancing my timing pretty soon. And, how will advancing the timing effect my startup? Thanks.

Bman? What does the FSM say about my problem? Does it list things to check out? Thanks.

 

The FSM says you need to measure the fuel pressure during start up. I believe it should be around 43psi and then drop to ~36psi while the engine runs. U can unplug the vaccum line to the FPR, that should increase the fuel pressure to 43psi. See if this helps the car start quicker. If it does then you have a fuel pump issue.

 

This is what's happening lately. ... This morning I cranked my car up (cold engine) and it took the normal amount of turns and it fired right up. Last night, I left my car in a parking lot for about 3 hours (slightly warm engine) and it took about 8-10 turns before it cranked up. So, the problem arises when the car has been run and allowed to cool down, but not bone cold.

I really appreciate the vacuum line info, Nismo87SE. Thanks a lot. I will check that out.

 

Hi Aaron, I'm sorry I didn't get back to this earlier, been in a rush lately.

Since your car starts just fine cold, I compared the FSM diags for "cold" and "normal" and the different parts they suggest checking is the injectors for leaking and the EGR valve.

You check the EGR valve for sticking by sticking your hand under it and seeing if you can push the diaphragm up and down. I haven't checked mine, but sometimes these things are kinda stiff feeling.

I think the leaking injectors might be a good candidate for your hard starting. Wait till you usually have this problem, and then floor the accelerator and see if it starts easier. It's kind of like clearing a flooded engine if you have a carburetor. If it starts easier then the injectors might be leaking raw gas into the engine, flooding it. I like this reason because when you're starting with the car "hot" (sitting only a very short time) there won't be enough leakage for it to badly flood it. If you let it sit overnight or for a long time, the gas has a chance to evaporate away or go elsewhere, so the car starts right up. But when you let it sit for a couple hours or so, there's enough leakage for a lot of gas to get in there and make starting hard, but there's no time for it to go away.

Does this makes sense or sound right?

The only thing is, I'd imagine you'd see a bit of black smoke out the tailpipe when you finally start it, but didn't mention any..(?) Also if this is right, gas is probably leaking into the oil too - check it if it's runnier than before or smells funny or.... something.

Not sure if leaking injectors would be the cause of your hesitation too. I suppose maybe if it's leaking in such a way that they don't always spray quite right....

Sorry I gotta go (again) now before someone blows a gasket ( ), hopefully I'll be back in the afternoon.