hard to start 97 metro

[atc_tj]

97 geo metro 4cyl auto. Hard time starting my metro, the starter will crank over several times (about 10 seconds of cranking) without the engine turning over. I crank the starter, pump the gas pedal several times then on the release of pressing the gas pedal it starts to turn over then I have to hold down the gas pedal then it will finally start(10 second process). Problem started all of a sudden. Does not do it after first start or if I let it sit for a while when I go into the store or something. Already changed fuel filter and did not help.

[TioSanchez]

Have you tested fuel pressure. Maybe regulator is going bad and pressure is weak. Just a thought. You'ld think the regulator would just go bad all at once. On Another note, I had a new Nissan truck once that I was convinced the fuel pump was going out on. Replaced the pump and same problem. It turns out I had an intermittant componant elsewhere that was interupting the circuit. I don't recall specifically the problem now - that was in '87. Perhaps you have something similar?

[DieInterim]

Originally Posted by atc_tj

97 geo metro 4cyl auto. Hard time starting my metro, the starter will crank over several times (about 10 seconds of cranking) without the engine turning over. I crank the starter, pump the gas pedal several times then on the release of pressing the gas pedal it starts to turn over then I have to hold down the gas pedal then it will finally start(10 second process). Problem started all of a sudden. Does not do it after first start or if I let it sit for a while when I go into the store or something. Already changed fuel filter and did not help.

Any black smoke out the pipe when it is trying to start? How fresh are your spark plugs? When it does run well does it perform well if pushed hard on the highway or up a steep road? Have any trouble codes been set?

Blake

[atc_tj]

No black smoke out the tailpipe, have not changed spark plugs yet. When it is started it drives perfect. Last night I tried to start it when it was cold out and had problems, but earlier in the day when the sun was shinning it was easier to start. I searched some other threads and found a couple of people with a similar problum but no definate answer. One thing I saw was a "ecu temp sensor" Is this located on the throttle body, and is this a dealership only part. Anyone try this with success?

[DieInterim]

Originally Posted by atc_tj

No black smoke out the tailpipe, have not changed spark plugs yet. When it is started it drives perfect. Last night I tried to start it when it was cold out and had problems, but earlier in the day when the sun was shinning it was easier to start. I searched some other threads and found a couple of people with a similar problum but no definate answer. One thing I saw was a "ecu temp sensor" Is this located on the throttle body, and is this a dealership only part. Anyone try this with success?

I just called a local parts house - $44USD

[ahoorakia]

Originally Posted by DieInterim

I just called a local parts house - $44USD

run the comp pressure test,looks like you have a tired eng,that,s why it,s hard to start when cold