I am having an issue with my daughter'* 97 Bonne SE (non-SC).
It has always been a bit of a slow starter (long cranking times) since I bought it in Feb. 2006. Here lately it has been getting harder to start. She has had to crank, wait, crank, wait, crank and then when it does finally start, it acts like it has been flooded and you can smell gas.
I put my code reader on it...no codes, no erratic data from the TPS, MAF, IAT, etc.
Put the fuel pressure gage on...only getting 28 PSI max during 2 sec. fuel pump prime at key-on. pressure drops to around 20 while cranking. After starting it reads 30-33 PSI MAX during engine running at idle. Removed vacuum line at pressure regulator...no drop or rise in pressure. Still 30-33 PSI. Drops slightly when opening throttle. Service manual says it should be 48-55 PSI.
Engine performance seems to bo OK, mileage is OK, too.
Does this seem to indicate a faulty fuel pump or a bad pressure regulator??
Looks like the pressure regulator is not removable from the fuel rail. Must replace fuel rail with regulator?
Why does it smell like gas if the pressure is LOW?? No visable leaks that I can see.
I'm stumped...
Help anyone??

When was the last time the fuel filter was changed?

Forgot to mention that.
I changed that out last summer.

When you checked the fuel pressure with the engine off did you turn the key to the run position several times or just once?

There was an FPR recall for 97 L36'*. It sounds like yours ls leaking by. If you smell fuel in the vac line after trying to start, replace the FPR. Some have caused Upper manifold explosions.

This problem sounds very much like an FPR, but I don't think we can rule the pump out either just yet. Let us know about the smell of the vacuum line.

yes, i did several key-on, key-off cycles to max. fuel pressure.

how can i check to see if the recall has ever been performed?

Your local dealer might be able to look up & see if the recall has been done.

To answer your previous question - the regulator & fuel rail are separate pieces. The regulator is held onto the fuel rail by a snap ring.

yep. i replaced the FPR on our 97 SE, it'* seperate. i didn't know there was a recall though

It looks to me like the recall started with the 1998'*. Can someone confirm this?