98 malibu 3.1 hard starting

[Mechmark]

I have installed new plugs and gas filter. doesnt do it all the time, but does seem to be a little worse when warmed up. fuel pressure is good. pulled vacuum hose off of regulator and it is not leaking. do the injectors on these give many problems?? Any help is appreciated

[Johnny R]

Could be just the age. When I first bought my '99, I only had to look at the key and it would start (in a manner of speaking). Now, it cranks and cranks. sometimes I imagine if I pump the gas pedal when the key is turned on, it starts faster. But I dunno. It has 210,000km (~130,000 miles).

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by Mechmark

I have installed new plugs and gas filter. doesnt do it all the time, but does seem to be a little worse when warmed up. fuel pressure is good. pulled vacuum hose off of regulator and it is not leaking. do the injectors on these give many problems?? Any help is appreciated

It could be that your injectors are leaking. When you shut your car off, there is fuel pressure in the fuel rail. If this leaks into your engine from the injectors, it will be hard to start. You can put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail and see if the pressure goes down kinda quick when you shut the engine off. Wait about 10-15 minutes and see if it is hard to start. Then repeat the process, but as soon as you shut the engine off, release the pressure in the fuel rail, wait the same amount of time and see if it is hard to start. If they are leaking, you will probably have to get them cleaned professionally.