My FD has recently been toughter to start. I usually have to let it crank for a few seconds, the engine will "stumble" and I also have to pump the gas pedal to get it to start. I usually have to try to start it twice.

It almost always fires up on the second try.

I read a post that siad that the Fuel pump might not be priming and that I should turn the key and wait for a minute or two to let the fuel system pressurize before cranking the motor. That didn't solve the problem.

Do guys have any ideas on what might be causing this?


Thanks,

John

 

Probably many other more likely causes, but I recently read about carbon build-up in the combustion chamber absorbing the initial fuel charge, making starting difficult. But IIRC, it was mostly a cold start issue.

 

Is this starting cold in the morning, or any time you try and start? Is your fuel filter good? Spark plugs fresh? Both of those can contribute.

The other could be weak battery or starter, if you have a slow cranking speed.

Dale

 

The fuel pump should prime the system for a few seconds when you first turn the key. Remove the fuel filler cap and listen closely to the fuel filler neck while someone turns the key on. You should hear the pump begin running and then shutoff after 3 seconds I think it is.

If it were the fuel filter the problem would be everywhere, not just starting. Same with the plugs. If the car runs fine under boost you can rule those two out.

Worst case scenario could be a possible small coolant o-ring leak. If the car seems to hot start fine but stumbles when it cold starts I'd pull the plugs and be certain there's no coolant in there. Check the fuel pump system first though.

 

Thanks for the replys guys.

It's difficult to start all the time. It boosts fine. I'll change out the plugs. It's about time for a fresh set.

Maybe it is an o-ring leak. Bummer.