Hey guys,

I know I have a lot of posts going right now. My girlfriend keeps pushing me to get a new car so I'm trying to sink enough money into Bonnie that she realizes she'll be kicked to the curb before Bonnie is..

This is a problem I've had for a little while. On cold starts, I have pretty long crank times. Probably a full 2-3 seconds of full crank. If I let it crank for a couple seconds and it doesn't turn over, and then I stop and turn the key again, it jumps right up as soon as I turn the key. Same thing if I drive it and shut the car off and turn it back on. Usually there is a small hesitation before it starts cranking in this case, but as soon as it starts cranking it starts up right away.

I'm currently leaning towards fuel pressure, which I haven't checked recently but if I recall correctly the last time I checked 3-4 months ago it was in the 30s when cold. I need to double check this. The reason I'm leaning toward fuel pressure, well, I think it'* close to the last thing on the plate.

Battery and alternator replaced in July 09
Starter replaced within the last 6 months
Battery cable to starter replaced within the past 3 months
Clean connections on battery
Main ground from battery to block is clean
Secure connections on starter

I've got a lot on my Bonnie plate, but just looking for things to look at while I'm tearing her down in the next few weeks. Thanks for the help.

New plugs and wires within last year also

Sounds like fuel pressure. Try turning the key to on, but don't start, wait a few seconds and then try starting it. If that works, then the pressure is bleeding off while it'* parked.

Yes Dan, much better if I wait to actually start it.

Is this a pump, regulator, injector other, or undetermined?

I would say pump. The lines should hold pressure but it'* bleeding back in to the tank. So it takes a moment for the lines to full back up.

That doesn't sound fun, but kind of what I was expecting.

Is the schraeder valve supposed to have a cap on it? Mine doesn't, but it shouldn't bleed out of there anyway without the valve depressed right? Just wondering for dirt prevention and such.

Is there further diagnosis I can do?

How signature-worthy!

I'm currently having this same problem. It'* definitely fuel pressure. Look into replacing the pump. You can pick up a new pump for as low as $20, depending on whether you want OEM or aftermarket, and what accessories are included.

Haha, I like it!

If I can somehow find out it'* the regulator and save my self dropping the tank, I would very much prefer that. Not that I can't say I'm not interested in dropping it. I also have a gas gauge that is accurate to within +/- 1/3 of a tank so I suppose I could fix whatever that is while I'm in there.

Anyway, I have a pressure gauge. Are there some tests I can do with cold/warm/idling engine to confirm it is the fuel pump?

Your fuel pressure should be between 40 and 43 psi with the ignition on and the engine off. If it'* any lower, you need to replace either your fuel filter or your fuel pump.

You should also make sure that your fuel pressure regulator is not defective, by pulling the vacuum line and hoping to not smell gas.