Mechanic CAN'T fix problem!!!

[BigG]

Hard start problem, please help.

When I try to start my camaro, the starter motor turns for a long time before the engine actual starts. If I turn the car off and then restart it right away, it will start right up with no problem. But, if I let it sit for more than 20 minutes, it will be hard to start again. It doesn't matter if the engine is hot or cold.

My mechanic can't figure out what is wrong. Does anybody have any suggestions?

[chas]

how long is a long time?

it could be a problem with fuel pressure (a weak pump or pressure regulator would keep fuel pressure down). your engine needs fuel, air, spark and compression to start. check each one of these.

[wood_e]

fuel filter? spark plugs? coils? battery??? Have you replaced any of these recently?

[RSFireDog]

Id lean towards the pump/pressure regulator assembly. Its like $400.00 from the dealership and $200.00 from GMPartsDirect.

If it ends up being that, I'll go out and get the part number for you if you want.

[bu-bye]

yeah i would say fuel pressure too. Change the filter first and if that does not help change the pump. When you turn your key to the position just before you start the car do you hear a HISSSSSSS sound? if so how long does it last? it should be about 2 seconds. Also while you drive do you notice a performance loss? Is this car new to you or have you had it from day one?

[randall]

hello, i have had this same problem with mine, aggravating isn't it . There is a sensor under the flywheel that sends info to the controller for the coils and thus the plugs. It does not show up on the OBD II codes as it does not talk to the computer, just the ignition module. It is a 45 dollar part and easy to replace if you have the flywheel puller. That is 800.00 worth of knowledge. The best part of it is that I have a whole new ignition system

[Gmtech1005]

I have never heard of a flywheel sensor before, and i am a driveability tech for a pontiac dealership. Maybe you are thinking about a crankshaft position sensor? either way, it is a good idea to start with fuel. Borrow a fuel pressure tester from someone and test the fuel pressure at the rail. Turn the key on any check the pressure, If you have good pressure at the rail, your pump is ok. If your pressure regulator is bad you can pull off the vacuum line to it and tap it lightly, if the diaphram is broken inside, it'll spit fuel out of where the vacuum line was hooked up. If it has all checked out to this point you'll wanna then start getting a little more involved, like checking spark at the cylinder with a spark tester.

[ljotto1]

I had that problem it was the $60 pressure regulator.

[TurboKillaZ]

maybe your starter motor is going bad

[Tyler]

the starter motor is definately NOT going bad if its turning the engine on its own without a fire.

maybe fuel pressure?

[99CamaroBullet]

I would have to say it sounds like a fuel pressure problem too. Start there.

[phoenix64]

I had the problem on my 99 recently, pull the vacume line off the fuel pressure regulator. When I did that some fuel started dripping out. I replaced it and the car started fine after that.

[ March 02, 2003: Message edited by: phoenix64 ]</p>

[BigG]

The problem turned out to be the fuel pressure regulator. The first time my mechanic tested it, he said it was ok. I told him to replace it any way. When he took it off, he realized it was faulty.

Thanks for all the help!!! [img]smile.gif[/img]