My signature says "starts on a bump" but that has changed. Today I noticed that I had to crank for about 5 seconds before she chugged to life. Driving is perfect but I also noticed a distinct gas smell just after she fired when I got out of the car.
I installed new cold start injector and the other injector (cant remember the name) when I got her dialed in a couple of years ago.
To you respected members, what could it be now?

 

 

How old are your fuel lines? How old are your fuel pressure regulators? I hope they're not still original. If they are, you could have a leak.

After sitting a while, say 2 weeks, my car never starts right up. What I've learned to do is quickly bump the starter, enough to get the fuel pump running, and then stop cranking the motor. Listen to the fuel pump whine as it builds pressure. Then when the fuel pump shuts off go ahead and start. It then fires right up.

 

Another fairly obvious choice might be the battery - check the voltage across the terminals and make sure it has juice sufficient for a crisp start.

 

 

 

To the OP (Walt), try this a few times and see if you get the same results(in red above). If so, among the other great suggestions made, also check the fuel pump check valve because it appears to be loosing it's prime (regulators can also do this).

Hope that helps,

Dave

 

 

 

Fuel pressure regulator and dampers. Did all three and it cured my hard starts, cold and warm.

Happy Father's Day too!

 

did you ever inspect the 3 way junction under the right front fender? ,
they snap apart,
this would account for a fuel smell if your fuel lines are good

 

 

Does this model year have a fuel accumulator in addition to the pump, like my 79 does or is that only on the pre-CIS cars? If so, that could be leaking or clogged up. Mine is in the Passenger side rear fender near the filter.

Also, doesn't just turning the key to the accessory position run the fuel pump for an initial prime - mine does - or again, maybe that's another difference with the early cars.

 

I think he means near the charcoal canister and next to washer res. Remove the wheel well liner. There is a plastic "Y" connector in there that breaks, Roger? has a metal replacement I think.

 

get a cheap pressure gauge...measure fuel pressure at rails. start the car, let it run, check pressure. shut off the engine, watch for pressure to drop. based on what you said, it's likely to drop. if it doesn't, your problem isn't related to the fuel system.