Turn key twice to start - Chapter 3

[Bluemill]

My car has been up on a jack for a week because I had to send the RR wheel in for some refinishing because I kissed a curb. I thought I'd use the down time to do some fuel system testing, longer term. If you have been following this thread you'll know that my car has suddenly developed hard starting issues, like crank it for 10 seconds before it starts, or turn the key twice to the starter position and it fires quickly - the second time you turn the key to start. It used to start instantly, for 35,000 miles prior to this issue. Something is up, and several others have suffereed this mysterious malady without a posted fix.

So far I've replaced the fuel filter (oem, AC Delco), bought a fuel pressure tester from Mid-America, (Very nice and the least expensive I could find!), and replaced the spark plugs with AC irridiums, #41-985. I also took off the funky twin "T" cotton air filter intake system and put back on the stock air cleaner.


This time I attached the pressure tester and turned the key to on, no starter, several times. The initial surge as the fuel pump did its job jolted the needle over 60 PSI, for just a split second. Then it settled at 56 PSI, where it stayed for a minute, to a drop of one PSI to 55. The next minute it dropped another single PSI, then it slowed appreciably. After 50 minutes it dropped down to 48 PSI, which meant it was dropping only about 1/6 of a PSI per minute. Then I retired.

I've read that there is a check valve on the rear fuel feed hose that can leak that might be the reason for the pressure bleed off. When the car starts it's fine, no popping or other indications that anything is wrong.

At nine hours later, the pressure was at 29.5 PSI, @11:30 from shut off, down to 26 PSI. Finally, at 18 hours out the final reading was 17 PSI. There must be someone who this has happened to - who got it fixed. HELP!

[hardcoresoldier]

ive seen this happen with other cars. try pulling the fuel rails off with the injectors attached then turn the key but DO NOT try to start it. if any fuel drips from the injectors, you will most likely have found your problems. if the injectors arent dirty or anything, they will not leak. this is the easiest place to start without getting too involved. and the cheapest.

[Hib Halverson]

First, let me say that 60 psi with the pump on with 56 psi holding with the pump off is within acceptible range.

I'd also think that the pressure drop is not that bad. If the engine had a leaking injector, you'd see it go down much quicker.

You can try lifting the fuel rail such that you can see the injectors, then energizing the fuel pump but not starting. As said above, if you see any leaking injectors, they need to be replaced.

However....I'm going to guess this is not a fuel issue.

Please report back to the thread. I'd like to know what the solution is.