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11-18-2013, 08:36 PM | #1 | |
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Hard time starting
Hi everyone,
Our 1997 Lumina with a 3.1 liter engine and about 190,000KMS is having difficulty starting in the morning. I have changed the spark plugs, plug wires, checked the connections to the battery and put dielectric grease on them. None of that seemed to make much of a difference. The key has to be held for about 5-7 seconds and it coughs to life and then runs rough for about another 5 seconds and the interior lights are dim during this too. After that it comes to life and runs great. Is it possible for starters to start to weaken? I have never had a starter do that, they have either worked or not. Besides that, I don't know what else could be the problem. I have heard that these engines can have condensation issues when the temperature straddles the freezing mark, which it has been the last few weeks. Maybe it just needs to get below zero and stay there? Anyway, thanks for any tips anyone might have on this issue. |
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11-19-2013, 10:08 PM | #2 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
Does it crank at nearly the usual speed, but not RUN properly, or does it crank slowly and not run properly?
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11-19-2013, 10:21 PM | #3 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
It does seem to crank properly, it just seems to struggle to actually start. Once it starts and gets past that 5-7 second rough running it sounds and runs great. Maybe the starter isn't quite turning fast or powerfully enough which makes the car difficult to start?
I assume that if it was something ignition related, the car would run rough always, not just at very initial start up. I suppose now that the plugs and plug wires are done, if this continues I can always just bite the bullet and change the battery, and if needed the starter. I would just hate to be changing all these things is there is something else that may be the problem. I am going to go disconnect the starter this weekend and make sure the connections are nice and clean, maybe a bad ground on the starter could be the problem? |
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11-19-2013, 11:51 PM | #4 | ||
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Re: Hard time starting
Quote:
You've already taken care of ignition system; at least part of it. WHAT IS THE FUEL PRESSURE? When did you last change the fuel filter? That, and the possibility of injector leakage are the things that come immediately to mind.
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. . For the good of the Free World, DEMAND COMPENSATION FROM CHINA for their release of the Virus Originating in the Wuhan Laboratory, released (intentionally or negligently) into the world in 2019 (VOWL-19). Ten trillion to start with, increasing as needed from there, PLUS compensation for the sickened, and "wrongful death" settlements for the families of those who didn't survive. END trade with Communist China. |
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11-20-2013, 12:17 AM | #5 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
Excuse me for jumping in , You say lights are dim for a bit after you get it started? more then a second or too? you may want to have your alt checked (regulator checked )I believe its internal on that one ,a diode may be bad causing a drain on ignition source(going to ground )witch would or may cause such a problem , starving coil from power ,How is it on warm start up ? do things act the same way ? The dimming of lights is normal during cranking as most power is put towards the starter, Its after you let the key go im asking about ..........just trying to help
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11-20-2013, 07:39 AM | #6 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
Hi,
It only seems to be a problem in colder temperatures. I don't drive the car regularly but my girlfriend never complained about it in the warm weather. She actually said it stalled twice this morning and was afraid to try again. I ran out and got it going, it just seems like the starter needs to be held a few extra seconds while it is attempting to fire up. A little tiny bit of gas during the struggling helps too. Maybe its just old and that's just going to be the way it is. I will check the connections to the alternator and starter this weekend, after that I don't know what else can be done other than buying new parts. Thanks for your guys help with this. |
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11-20-2013, 12:05 PM | #7 | ||
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Re: Hard time starting
Quote:
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11-20-2013, 03:29 PM | #8 | ||
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Re: Hard time starting
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So after you changed your injectors I assume that the issue was fixed? Thanks everyone. |
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11-20-2013, 03:55 PM | #9 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
If you decide to replace the injectors and you have time to wait. Numerous sites out there that will clean and test all your injectors. I had 4 done for around $50 to include shipping. I have also seen guys do a "home built" injector cleaner. Search around.
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11-20-2013, 04:01 PM | #10 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
Alright, I will do that. At the least I will probably just add whatever seems to be the most reccomended injector cleaner and hope for the best, it can't make them any worse.... or so I hope.
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11-20-2013, 10:26 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
__________________
. . For the good of the Free World, DEMAND COMPENSATION FROM CHINA for their release of the Virus Originating in the Wuhan Laboratory, released (intentionally or negligently) into the world in 2019 (VOWL-19). Ten trillion to start with, increasing as needed from there, PLUS compensation for the sickened, and "wrongful death" settlements for the families of those who didn't survive. END trade with Communist China. |
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11-20-2013, 10:30 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
It looks like I jumped the gun on this one a bit. I already went and bought Formula 1 Extra Strength fuel injector cleaner based on reviews. Hopefully we notice some difference in the coming weeks, if not I may go find the type you are referring to and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the suggestion.
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11-20-2013, 11:03 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
Of course, adequate fuel pressure is necessary, even with clean or new injectors. One quick check with a pressure gauge will prove that out.
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11-20-2013, 11:10 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
That is one other part that I came across while looking into the injectors is a fuel pressure regulator valve. It looks like you have to take the plenum off to get to the injectors and the valve is right there. If it comes to having to change the injectors, I will definitely change that too.
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11-21-2013, 11:59 AM | #15 | |
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Re: Hard time starting
Yeah, once I determined that my injectors were fouled up, I did some research and it turns out that injector cleaners that you add to the gas do good to keep your injectors clean but don't really fix them when they've gotten real bad. So I went to the junk yard and found 6 injectors with the correct part number off another vehicle and cleaned those in my garage ahead of time. The I opened up the engine, swapped them out and put it back together in about an hour and a half. The other option is to get one of those injector cleaners that you attach to your fuel rail. That way your are cleaning them the right way without even taking your engine apart.
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