97 firebird starting problems

[97fbirdformula]

I've got a 97 formula with 120,000 miles and for the past couple of weeks I have had trouble starting the car. The car doesn't have a problem turning over, it just has a problem catching. Normally I have to try it 2 or 3 times before it actually starts. I had the battery, alternator, and started checked and they all tested fine. I'm not sure if it is the fuel pump or not because I just had one of those replaced when the car had 90,000 miles. I have never run out of gas with the car, because I always fill it when it shows that it is only at 1/4 tank. I took it to a repair shop today and they told me that it might be the fuel pump, and the only way to figure that out would be to put one in to see if that does the trick, and if not oh well, they get to keep their $1000 anyways. Someone send me in the right direction because I'm pretty burned out and don't want to have to start replacing stuff that doesn't need it.

[FormulaLT1]

Check your fuel pressure and its hold of pressure during the start process. I would bet they are right on it being fuel pressure related but it could also being a leaking injector or other loss of fuel pressure from another source such the rail seal , injector ,fuel pressure regulator but most likely the problem is the fuel pressure check ball which requires changing of the fuel pump itself. Good luck but once the fuel pressure is checked to assure its not holding pressure we can move on to trouble shooting whats causing it.

PS- Welcome to AF

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by 97fbirdformula

I took it to a repair shop today and they told me that it might be the fuel pump, and the only way to figure that out would be to put one in to see if that does the trick, and if not oh well, they get to keep their $1000 anyways. .

Well there's a 'hail Mary' if I ever heard one.

For $50, go get yourself a fuel pressure gauge, which is the proper way to determine what part of the fuel system is not opertaining correctly, or if any. It's a tool of unlimited value to have anyway.

[97cavalier]

replace the fuel filter and see what happens.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by 97cavalier

replace the fuel filter and see what happens.

Again, shotgunning parts, a pressure test is the proper next step. I do understand your rationale on saying that and it is cheap insurance anyways, but I'm trying to become more proactive to the aspect if you own a EFI car and plan on maintaining it yourself and not get a $2000 repair guestimate like this poor individual, you need a pressure gauge in your tool box