Starts on the second try, never the first

I have a 1991 Delta 88 Royale, 80k miles, 3800 that runs great with no problems and no warning lights. However, it won't start the first time you turn the key. The engine turns over once or twice, then I hear something that sounds like it is winding down. Usually the second time I turn the key, it roars to life (sometimes it will take a third or fourth time). Last weekend it got so bad that it wouldn't start at all, so I just replaced the plugs and cables, and ignition module (which was leaking green gunk), so now it will start again on the second try. (I also tried gas treatment and fuel injector treatment to no effect).

Any ideas?

When it's cold and has not been driven try cycling the key all the way on and all the way off with a full 1 second pause each time but don't actually start the car. Do it 3 times then on the 4th try to start the car. If it fires up start looking at your fuel pump.

When it's cold and has not been driven try cycling the key all the way on and all the way off with a full 1 second pause each time but don't actually start the car. Do it 3 times then on the 4th try to start the car. If it fires up start looking at your fuel pump.

I second his opinion. That whine you are hearing is the pump pressurizing the line. Before you look into the fuel pump, I would suggest that you replace the fuel filter. If the filter has been replaced lately, then go ahead and start looking at your fuel pump as an issue.

Put a fuel pressure guage on it and see if the fuel pressure is leaking down.

Thanks to everyone so far on the advice. I tried the "3 key turns", but it made no impact (still didn't start on 4th turn / first full key turn) I'll check out the fuel filter next, then the fuel pump, but I'm suspicious of the starter too. Any other thoughts?

The engine turns over once or twice, then I hear something that sounds like it is winding down.

AH, i think i just understood what you were saying.. Do you mean the starter catches, turns over once or twice, then releases prematurely(Winding down sound)?

Yes, that sounds like the best description of it so far. I don't think the sound is from a pump, as it sounds more like a motor/disk/etc rotating slowly from full speed down to a stop.

Is the sound coming from the front of the engine?

Yes, as far as I can tell from the driver's seat.

Yeah, that's probably the starter. Pull it off and inspect starter gear that engages the flywheel for rounding or other damage. Also, check the flywheel ring gear for wear and damage. Use a socket on the crank pulley and turn it so you can inspect the whole flywheel.

Finally replaced the starter, which has fixed the problem so far. I no longer worry about the car not starting when I take it out!

I didn't see any damage on the gears or flywheel. I finally found a reference that the overrunning clutch in the starter may be at fault, and the starter should be replaced.

The only concern now is that the car doesn't start as strong as it used to. Now it turns over several times before firing up, and it just sounds weaker (not nearly as impressive as before). Before things started going wrong, it started right away, but at least it is something I can live with.