It was worth it in my opinion. It didn't help it start better at all, but it ran better and didn't try to stall out like it always does every single morning.


Now, I'm not going to be doing the Delco swap for a while because my main goal is to make it start quicker (I'll still end up doing it). What other smaller things could I change out to help it start quicker? I don't have any other serious problems and I'd like to address this as my primary reason to work on it.

Well, I'd take a good look at your fuel pressure at the rail. That could point you in the direction of a new fuel pressure regulator, which could cause a hard-start condition after sitting overnight. An Actron fuel pressure gauge can be had for like $36 at Autozone, last I knew. Similar prices on ebay, etc. Very useful tool while working on these cars!

Another thing you could try though, if you're too cheap to buy the gauge: On some morning, turn your key to the "on" position, wait a few seconds, take the key back out, and repeat that a few times. If the car then starts right up, that'* telling you that you're losing your stored-up fuel pressure while the car sits idle for a long time. Probably a bad fuel pressure regulator, although it could be your check valve by the pump too.

But I'd seriously look at buying a gauge if you plan on owning this car for a while. I'm extremely cheap, but I'm glad I bought mine.

I'll try that method to see if it helps. I've read something about doing that but I think the times that I have tried it, I only put it into the On position for a few seconds and didn't repeat. I'll try that tomorrow morning or later on today if I don't drive it much. I'm going to go install a new pcv valve and probably a new fuel filter today.

For LOST pressure like that when sitting, I would definitely look at the FPR. Mine was doing that until it wouldn't start at all. If you do those pressure tests and you see that the pressure drops by itself, the FPR would be the best place to look, and its VERY easy to replace, thats the best part.

I can't find this stupid pcv valve. and I think I got the wrong one at Napa. Is the pcv valve supposed to be straight or be shaped like an L? Could one of you help me find this stupid valve?

I'll also make sure to look into the FPR.

63k miles and No maintenance?? Ouch.

You need to replace the following (Yeah, I know you've done some of them already):

-Transmission fluid ( http://www.lesabret.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=2945 )
-PCV valve ( http://www.lesabret.com/phpBB/viewto...&highlight=pcv )
-Air filter (NEVER use Fram)
-plugs (ALWAYS use AC DELCO)
-wires (spend more than $20)
-fuel filter (should be done every 15k miles)
-oil (hopefully thats been kept up with...)
-check brakes, replace brake fluid (every two years)
-radiator flush and fill (every two years)
-clean the injectors (Lucas or Chevron Techron in fuel)
-Clean the intake and IAC ( http://www.lesabret.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4054 )

After that is all said and done, THEN see how the car will run As far as the PCV goes, you have the right part. To locate it, you need to stand on the passenger side of the engine bay, remove the plastic cover, look under the right side of the fuel rail (firewall side of the motor), push aside the spark plug wires and wire harness for the injectors (I think thats what it is, I believe its white) and look down. You should see the "L" part of the valve inside a rubber grommet and the larger part of the valve in the body of the upper intake manifold. Its a bit tricky to get out, but check the link I posted above and it should help ya out.

...oh... and does anybody care if I link to LeSabreT articles and write-ups? Its my home forum and I know where all the links are to common problems and what-not. I figure if the information is helpful, then it doesn't matter what the source is

I know it hasn't been very carefully maintained in the past few years (regular tune ups and whatnot) but I can't speak for before that when my grandparents owned it.

As for the list, I've done all of that except for replacing the fuel filter (getting that done on friday, it was too hard for me to get apart due to some rust), pcv valve (can't find the damn thing), flush the radiator, and clean the intake and IAC.

I checked out the fuel pressure regulator. I don't have any tools to test the fuel pressure as of right now but the regulator looks fairly new compared to everything else so it *might* not be the problem but I'll still look into it.

edit: how'd I miss the part you wrote about finding the pcv valve? i must be getting tired already. i'll go take a look at that. thank you very much.

Oh... I edited in the part about the PCV prolly while you were typing a response.

As for the fuel pressure regulator, I wouldn't look into at as a suspect until you get that fuel filter replaced. I doubt its ever been done and its 50,000 miles overdue. If that doesn't solve your problem, then rent (autozone) a fuel pressure gauge. Should be around 40PSI whilst running, but I'd have to find all the numbers for correct pressure ranges and whatnot...

Yeah, the fuel filter is getting replaced on friday. I'll look into renting the pressure gauge from autozone after then if it doesn't help much (although, i'm sure it will help a ton).

Anyways, I replaced my pcv valve and that went alright. It was pretty well hidden beneath the plug wires. I'm surprised I didn't notice it when I replaced them.

You're right about the psi. It should be about 40 while running.