Hard Startup

[stubborn portugee]

I had my starter motor replaced last month after it died (not sure if this helps but alt. was replaced 2 months ago) and the rough starting/long starting period was over. But now its starting to have difficult startups like the cars really struggling to turn over the engine. It took about 3 seconds last night to start up the car (does this 1/10 times i wanna say)...anyone know what is causing this?

[cassie]

not a clue. I wish I did know. I have the 100% exactly problem, only mine has been doing this for over a year and I have gone thru 2 starters and 2 alternators. I just replaced my TB and MAF sensor and my car starts up 50% better. Next thing I am doing is injectors.

[ November 24, 2003: Message edited by: cassie ]</p>

[TheRealWave]

Im guessing fuel related. does it sound like its trying to fire up? or do you just hear the starter then all of a suddon the engine turns on?

Does it only happen on cold starts?

[ November 24, 2003: Message edited by: TheRealWave ]</p>

[Nachius]

I think its fuel related as well.

If its worse when its cold and you KNOW your battery is good, then its probably fuel pump or injectors.

Next time its not starting youc an see if there is fuel pressure in the fuel rails by pressing down the schrader valve, but thats not a 100% answer because when MY fuel pump was going out it TESTED 100% when it was working or it didn't work at all, I had no in between!

[stubborn portugee]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by TheRealWave:
does it sound like its trying to fire up? or do you just hear the starter then all of a suddon the engine turns on?

Does it only happen on cold starts?

[ November 24, 2003: Message edited by: TheRealWave ]<hr></blockquote>

Ya it only happens during cold starts, and all u hear at first is the starter...if u stop halfway it doesnt do anything (the car stays not running) but if u go all the way through it eventually starts up.

[TheRealWave]

Haynes:
Engine hard to start when cold.
1. Check battery &lt;-- not your prob
2. Fuel not reaching injectors. Check fuel filter and lines. &lt;-- my guess is this
3. Defective spark plugs &lt;-- how many miles are on yours?
4. intake vacuum leaks &lt;--make sure your hoses are not cracked and are sucure.

Your both loosing alts and starters because the starter take a LOT of amps and power to turn the engine. that drains the batt quick and then the alt is working extra hard to charge it back up which will shorten its life a lot. The long periods of the starter being run will shorten its life.

[ November 24, 2003: Message edited by: TheRealWave ]</p>

[stubborn portugee]

"intake vacuum leaks" I think that might be it...I have a egr tube that leaks cause of the headers quality...do you think that the engines taking in air through the tube?

[y87inside]

Id try the obvious first....test the battery with a voltmeter or dvom. It should read at least 12.6 V or better. Make sure the battery conections are good and not corroded. Check the cable from the battery to the starter. Itd be nice if you had an ammeter so you could see how much current your starter was drawing.