[96 collector]

ok, here's the situation. i currently have a 96 collectors edition vette with 12,000 original miles. the problem i am running into with this car is that from time to time it takes 2 or 3 turns of the key to get it to start. usually starts 1st time when sitting for awhile, or overnight or something like that, but even when cold it seems like it starts kind of hard sometimes take it on a hour long drive and try to start it within an hour of shutting it off, and it takes at least 1 try to turn over. plenty of juice while cranking, and alt meter is great. the car will always start within 3 tries, and run flawlessly once started. i just cant seem to figure why the hard starting is occuring. i'm not thinking optispark, as i have tried all the tests associated with that and have seen no symptoms. thorough inspection shows no leakage near the water pump either, and the car runs absolutely flawlessly once started like a 12k car should. its just embarrasing to have it not start on the 1st try. i have a fuel filter to put on in hopes that it might be something simple, but i think i would see some performance issues if the filter were clogged. any insight from some of u tuners would be appreciated.

 

[AK's Z06]

It could be a simple as a fuel pressure regulator, have it tested.:thumbsup:

 

[OldVetteFan]

When you turn the ignition on, can you hear the fuel pump pressurizing the fuel system? It should run for a couple of seconds, then stop when it reaches the regulator limit.

AK is right - you should start by having a competent shop verify that the fuel pressure is correct.

Steven

 

[96 collector]

thanks for the replies. i am thinking on the same lines as you guys as to it being fuel related. i will try and get it a shop in the near future to have the pressure tested. this issue shouldnt have anything to do with the optispark if there is absolutely no problem with the way the car runs should it? i just hear so many things with that damn thing. shouldn't with such few miles i hope

 

[cheetah]

The vented opti should cause you no problems. Put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see if it loses fuel pressure at rest. You can buy a gauge at the auto parts store cheap. No need to take it to the shop.

 

[MAVEN]

Sounds like a fuel pressure bleed down issue. That means youve either got a leaking fuel pressure regulator, leaking injectors or bad check valve in the fuel pump assmebly.

If you can get a fuel pressure gauge, hook it up and see what kind of pressure youve got with the pump running and engine off(should be 42-47)

The pressure should stabilize in that same area and stay there with pump off. It should not drop more than 5psi in 10 minutes. If i does, youve verified the hard start is fuel related.

I dont recall if your car has soft fuel lines that you can clamp off(or if they are the hard vinyl ones you can damage, if it has those you needs special tools), if you can clamp them, clamp off the return(smaller line) and rerun test. If pressure no longer drops, youve got a bad regulator. If it still drops rerun the test and clamp off the both lines this time, if pressure no longer drops, youve got a bad pump. If it still drops youve got leaking injectors.

See a compotent mechanic if you are ill equipped or uneasy performing these tests.

 

[96 collector]

thanks for the ideas guys. i will get a gauge and perform these tests that you have reccomended. i should have a chance to do this this weekend, and report results when i get them.

 

[olddog]

The early pintle injectors sucked! Red Line SI#1 is fabulous stuff. Unless the injector is bad meaning faulty the SI#1 will clean ANY stuff off of them and it is a cheap start. Do not use the SI#2 it is very diluted.

Toward the end we put Ford SVO injectors in and never had another problem. Disc injectors are really great.

I hope your problem is this simple but if your luck is like mine - - -:down:

 

[96 collector]

ok, progress has been slow on getting this car worked on as i have been out of town. had it in the garage today and swapped out the fuel filter. def a fuel issue. turn ignition on, and pump primes and pressure shoots right up to correct psi. turn off, and pressure drops down to mid to upper 30's within a min or so. car runs great when started with absolutely no performance issues. i will have to try these line clamping tests to see if i can figure out what the problem is. these lines that were reffered to in above threads. are they located under the passenger side fuel rail cover? i need to get a service manual or something familiarize myself with the fuel system. anybody that can chime in and guide me through this thing it would be a big help