I have noticed my car do this recently, usually during mild to very hot days. Initially, in the mornings, my car would start right up. However, after driving it for a while and then parking it for at least an hour, I notice that the car would hard-start then after. I haven't noticed any consistent signs that could be contributing to this but I do notice that when this happens, aside from the hot ambient temperatures, the fuel level is usually around 3/4 to empty. I checked all of the spark plugs (replaced last summer) and they look fine. Two of the ignition coils have been replaced a few months ago. I have no ECU codes. No EGR issues. The fuel filter has been replaced last summer. I have a K&N cone filter and its not that old but a little dirty nonetheless I don't see a problem with that. The TB and IAC valve have been thoroughly cleaned. PCV valve has been replaced. All oxygen sensors are new. Is there anything else that I am over looking?

Thanks.

 

hey man when you start your car does black smoke come out and does it smell like gas? if it does then its probably your fuel pressure regulator.

 

BTW, I drove my car to almost empty last night then parked my car overnight. I started it up this morning and it had a hard time starting. This is probably expected since there is very little gas left in the tank. But its not any worse than when it occurs at 3/4 empty tank. I failed to mention before that when the hard start occurs, I'd have to depress the gas pedal a few times while the motor is cranking to make it turn over and finally start.

f550maranello2,

I don't smell gas when I start my car. I haven't noticed black smoke come out of the exhaust. Would there be enough smoke visible from inside the car if I look thru my rear view mirror? If the fuel pressure regulor is faulty, would this mean that everytime I start my car the gasoline smell would be present?

Thanks for the reply.

 

when this happened im my old car it would not start after i just drove it then i would have to pump the gas but with the windows open it smelled real bad of gas the black smoke thing you need an assistant to see my muffler was onthe left side instead of the right so i stepped onthe gas and could see black come out .

 

Thanks.

Anyone else? I'm sure there's plenty of garage mechanics in here that can provide some assistance.