Slow to start when cold

[coloradoformula]

Hey guys, I've been dealing with this problem for a while. Basically, whenever I go to start the car after it has been sitting for a while it takes about three cranks before the engine turns over. When it starts it runs perfect, no power loss anywhere that I can tell. I am beginning to think that my fuel pressure regulator is the problem. Any other ideas?

Thanks.
Shaun

[Dave M]

Could just be a weak battery or a starter on it's way out. Have you checked those yet?

[Injuneer]

Possible problems:

Excessive fuel leakdown:
-faulty pump check valve
-faulty fuel pressure regulator
-leaky injectors

Faulty coolant temp sensor

You can check the fuel pressure with a gauge to see how fast it leaks down. If it loses pressure too fast, we can tell you how to check each component.

If the coolant temp sensor isn't telling the PCM how cold the engine is, it might not be setting the richer A/F ratio required to start.

And as noted in the previous post, a weak charging system, or a starter pulling excessive amps can rob the power required for strong fuel and ignition.

[coloradoformula]

Hey guys, thanks for the replys. I just replaced the battery about a month ago. I will go ahead and pressure check my fuel lines.

[Dave M]

Just because you replaced the battery recently, don't assume your charging system is healthy. A weak alternator can cause even a new battery to drain quickly, and a failing starter won't work properly even on a new battery. I'm not saying your problem definately lies in the charging system, but don't discount it just because you replaced the battery.

[JeffM]

3 cranks? You mean like you turn the key, and three cranks of the engine before it starts? That doesn't seem like much to me - unless i'm understanding wrong.

How many seconds from right when you turn the key till it starts?

[coloradoformula]

When I say three cranks I mean that I have to turn the key three times before I get it to start. On each crank I allow the starter to click twice.

[Bond Hawk]

Could also be the fuel pump going bad. Try turning the engine on (without) starting 3 times, then on the forth time, start it. This will cause the fuel pump to pressurize the fuel line. If it starts faster using this method, your fuel pump is probably going bad.