varied starting times
 

my car has me confused cuz lately it seems like a new prob every week....but i still love it

anyway, lately when i've been starting it {about 4-5 times a day} I've been noticing that sometimes it will start right up and other times it will "take its time" starting, so much so that the moment i think that its not gonna start, it does. I haven't timed it exactly, but i would say this is around 5 seconds, which is pretty long for a start, right? So i'm wondering if this is a sign of my starter wearing, or if there may be another issue here. I know that i may be needing new plugs soon since my idle is rather rough when its cold, or is that a result of something else as well?

Mine varies some as well, but not quite that much.

Sometimes it will start right up, as soon as you hit start it is going. Most of the the time it takes between probably 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. My guess, which is definately not very reliable is fuel pressure. But that is merely a guess.

The starter is only a problem if it isn't turning the motor or turning it slowly.

If you think fuel pressure is an issue, consider changing the fuel filter to rule that out, and test the pressure.

If the plugs/wires are a problem and a fuel pressure gauge isn't readily available this may be the best place to start.

Well spark plugs well have lot to do with starting. My car use to have slight problem when turn over in the cold. On mine it turned out to be a bad ing coil. The other thing I did is replace spark plugs wires on my car. Now my 92 turns over almost the instant I hit the key. The other thing I know that makes difference what condition the battery(size). My 92 starts better then are 01 caviler. And of course fuel pressure.

Re: Start up Problems
 

My 97 does the same thing too. I recently posted a topic about my vacuum lines comming off of my throttle body into my transmission and charcoal canister. My starting time varies and sometimes just for precaution I'll cycle the ignition key 3 times before cranking the car if it hasn't been started for the day. I had my car backfire once through the throttle body after I'd replaced my plenum and lower intake gaskets, and it caused the two vacuum lines to pop off of my throttle making my car not start up. Fuel pressure also is something that is a factor in this. Eversince I replaced the fuel pump (TWICE mind you) it has given me varied starting periods. Even with a tune up it still does this. The only time I've noticed my car start up right away is right after I change the oil. So who knows, its one of GM's many mysteries with the 3800's. ;)

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ok, so i've been watching my car all week and the starting as been good. Longest time was today at about 4 secs (probably less), which isn't that bad and that was leaving college so the engine was semi-warm. I got the oil changed, fuel system cleansed and i've noticed a difference driving already..my oil was pretty dirty. Anyway, with all that done i'm still gonna keep watch on the starting and look into getting the fuel filter & 02 sensor done soon

California Emissions
 

I believe mine has something to do with my O2 sensors as well. As soon as I get the chance to I'm going to replace the vacuum lines going to the throttle body, and purge canister. I'm also going to replace both my 02 Sensors as my 97 SE has california emissions on it. UGH, damn tree huggers gotta mess up everything LOL. :roll: ;)

Good start cold - hard start hot could be fuel pressure regulator. Right after shutting down, pull the vacuum line to the FPR and see if it leaks or smells strongly of gasoline. If so, it's bad.