hard to start

My 97 with 133,000 is getting hard to start. I had the plugs and wires replaced about 10,000 miles ago. It will start just fine when it is cold, after setting all night, but if I drive it a bit, then shut it off and try to restart it, like in 10 minutes or so... it is very hard to start. I was thinking Fuel Pressure regulator........ any suggestions?

replace the FPR. very easy to do. inexpensive replacement (about $60) and a problematic part on these cars. Mine did the same thing and I replaced the FPR in about 30 minutes (took me so long because I am new to the whole backyard mechanic scene and didn't know what I was doing).

I replaced the FPR ( 45.00 at Oreily).....It seems to have fixed it. Ill know better after I drive it some more..Only problem was, the new one looked slightly different than the original... but it seemd to fit ok.when I started it , gas sprayed everywhere............I took it back out, and there was a small plastic sleeve in there, probabaly about 1/16 inch tall.
I took it out, replaced the FPR and it is ok,,,

I replaced the FPR ( 45.00 at Oreily).....It seems to have fixed it. Ill know better after I drive it some more..Only problem was, the new one looked slightly different than the original... but it seemd to fit ok.when I started it , gas sprayed everywhere............I took it back out, and there was a small plastic sleeve in there, probabaly about 1/16 inch tall.
I took it out, replaced the FPR and it is ok,,,

Did you put the black rubber o-ring or "sleeve" (as you call it) back on the end of the FPR?

Yes I replaced both O-rings . the large one at the top, and the small one at the bottom///// the sleeve I am talking about came off the original FPR.. it is just below the large o-ring at the top of the FPR......... the new one doesnt have one

clean up that sleeve and put it back. it is used so that the fpr doesn't become clogged with crud fron the tank.

clean up that sleeve and put it back. it is used so that the fpr doesn't become clogged with crud fron the tank.
Damn......... I just threw it out...... BTW I am not talking about the little screen, the new one came with that

Is it reddish/orangish circular type?

Is it reddish/orangish circular type?
old on had on the regulator, in order
large O-ring, the black plastic sleeve, screen, small o-ring..........
the new one is the same,with the exception of the sleeve

Look here and it will probably help us both out.

(2nd link on this page)

http://www.howardm.net/dred98/underhood.php

Part # 5 is not on the new FPR..........but I think the new one is a bit different.......the metal had a ridge to keep the screen from moving
..I hope

I guess you're good to go then. Assuming that you smell no gas either when you drive and/or when you open the engine then I guess you are lucky. :biggrin:

I guess you're good to go then. Assuming that you smell no gas either when you drive and/or when you open the engine then I guess you are lucky. :biggrin:
No leakage that I can tell of....... I think it is just a design difference in the OEm and the one I bought(Borg-warner). I believe the spacer is to keep the screen in place. the new one has a lip in the middle metal piece that must be there to accomplish the same thing........If it blows up. I'll let ya know.... BTW the car actually seems to run better now...
Thanks for all of your help