Hard Starts

[treeboy38]

I go out to start the car up this morning and nothing. The engine cranked for a while so I gave up. Tried it again and the same thing happened. Finally had to turn the key to where it cranked and mash the gas peddle to the floor and it started. The tach stayed at 0 rpm for a second or so and then surged to around 1500 RPM and then came back down to 700 RPM. Any idea whats causing this? Does this mean my FPR is giving out or already gone? Help me please!

[dsatt12]

It's likely, but certainly not absolute. For one thing, did you know if you completely floor a fule injected car while trying to start it, it actually shuts off the fuel flow? It's how you start a car that's been flooded (learned that from the AAA dude when a buddy drove his southern car up to Iowa for my -20 degree January wedding).

It's definitely a good first step, since for your 97 it should be really cheap (maybe as low as $10) if you look around.

I would say be really careful about how long you crank it over. The starter is buried in the middle of the engine about 8 inches under the plastic cover you see when you open the hood. The air flow there has got to suck, so it'd be easy to overheat it.

[zimaad]

definately sounds fuel related. Other possibility could be fuel pump.

[oldsdad]

Did you have a problem before this with hard or extended crank times to get started with fluctuating rpm at idle. If so then very likely that the fpr is bad replaced mine 4 months ago paid 73 dollars at the dealer. Not a difficult job just make sure you get the O ring seated properly other wise you will have a major fuel leak be careful! Have you had your fuel rail replaced yet if not you may be able to get them to R & R the fpr for the cost of the unit as they have to do this anyway.

[treeboy38]

I have had an occasional (every 3-4 starts) long crank time (about 1-2 seconds longer) but nothing else out of the ordinary........... a friend is going to post the location of the FPR for me later (because I have no idea). If anone here can post a picture or an how to procedure to change the FPR out it would be greatly appreciated. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the 97 service manual? I don't really want to pay $130 for it.

Thanx to everyone for the help. The people of this forum are great and I have learned a lot from reading all the information posted here. Thanx again.

[treeboy38]

Also, should I go with the dealer or just stop by oreily and pick up an ac delco. Or is another brand better? Oreilly want 52 dollars for theirs (if I remember correctly),

[oldsdad]

The FPR is located under the plastic engine cover at the start of the fuel rail and fuel line it looks like a small dashpot. For the service manuals I picked mine up on ebay for 56.62 shipping included books were in very good shape volume 2 has a small tear on the back cover otherwise perfect. If you can pick up an AC Delco for that price go for it should be the same as dealer for 20.00 less.

[treeboy38]

Thanks again!

[treeboy38]

Is the the FPR?

[treeboy38]

The only one available is borg warner.....is it ok to go with that or is delco a better part?

[oldsdad]

Yes that is the FPR. Borg Warner usually makes good parts see what the return policy is in case a month from now you end up with the same problem occuring 25 dollars less its with the try.

[treeboy38]

its a 90 day limited warranty on the part..............it has a one year warranty from borg-warner

btw..............the car stalled on me twice today hopefully the FPR will fiix it

[treeboy38]

is the FPR supposed to screw in? or is it the compression fitting that holds it in?

[oldsdad]

No the FPR is held on by a spring clip. pop it off and lift up on the FPR is a snug fit have a rag handy for the gas that comes out, make sure that the small o-ring is seated well in the bottom because if not then fuel will be expelled everywhere!!! Again have a rag over the top to make sure of no leaks the first time you turn the ignition on just dont start the car to make sure no leaks.

[dap08]

FPR is probably the culprit..but i had some similar problems and i would get a can of throttle body cleaner and clean the throttle body real well and see if that doesnt fix it..its worth 3 bucks to give it a shot..mine was covered in soot..