Hard to start when hot!!

[97sc1sleeper]

heres the scenario...i drive the car for about half an hoour maybe more..the car runs and drives fine..i come home take a shower and 15 minutes later the car cranks and turns over about 3 cranks later??? anyone have any idea why? ive been told to change the coil packs and the fuel filter and switch to a higher octance gas and nothing is working.. ive been told by two mechanics to check for spark.. i did and it has spark..therefore its not the crank sensor or any ignition related problem...they said if it has spark.. it might be that the car might not be priming itself..fuel pump, or fuel injectors leaking.. and there even saying it could be a coroded ground wire from the fuel pump... has this ever happened to anyone before? any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sierrap615]

its the fuel system, its a known problem that the 97 pumps will lose their prime after shut-off, resulting in a long cranking time.to confirm this, cycle the key a few times, every time the key is removed then turned to run(not start) the pump will run for a few seconds to prime the system. after that the engine should start quicker. some people have talked about replacing the pump to solve the issue, but i have never heard of the results.

[97sc1sleeper]

so your saying that its not necesary to change the fuel pump? and that just playing with the key between run and the off position will start the car quicker? ill have to try it and let you know what happens but regardless id still like to change the fuel pump if that turns out to be the problem.. as for injectors go.. should i replace those too or does this problem have nothing to do with them?

[sierrap615]

leaking injectiors can also cause a long crank, but like i said the fuel pump is a known issue for your year. i do not know if replacement will solve the issue.

[97sc1sleeper]

so is there any possibillity of the fuel line being clogged or maybe a stuck valve not allowing the fuel through as easily?

[sierrap615]

doubt it, that scenerio would more likely cause high residual pressure.

[97sc1sleeper]

good to hear some input on the subject.. im probably gonna replace the fuel pump mid next week..im hoping it will start regularly once its been replaced..if not ill have to see if i can use a pump from another year..i dont see why a new pump wouldnt work.. itll be after market most likely

[sierrap615]

the 97 pump was one year use only. you may be able to modify a 91-96 pump, but you may need the tank too. however i know the 97 year use the input from the tank sending unit a little differently(it was the first year for the low fuel light, and it may be a input to the PCM)