excess cranking/hard start

[ChemMan]

My 1997 Bonneville SE with 84000 miles needs to be cranked for about 2-3 seconds to start, and usually twice before the engine will run. My wife's 95 Buick Lesabre with 56000 miles barely needs to be bumped by the starter to run. Is there a problem with the Bonneville or is the Series 2 engine harder to start than the Series 1? Other than the starting problem the car runs fine. Any inputs?

Thanks.

[sixsmiles]

Check the plugs, fuel pressure, and potentially replace coils if it is annoying enough?

[richtazz]

I agree on the plugs (tune-up parts). If you've never tuned it up, don't believe that 100k plug life crap, you're due for plugs, wires, fuel filter and pcv. If that doesn't fix it, then you need to get into it further. No sense overdiagnosing if you haven't done the regular maintenance yet.

[auto trainy]

You may find that it will never start as fast as the 95,I had 2 95 olds royals and a 97 olds regency and I always noticed that the 95s started way quicker,and a friend (serv mgr for GM) explained to me that the 97 was a differant set up,the computer makes sure that all systems are timed exactly before starting where as the 95 doesn"t care and just starts,Good Luck.
One thing else,you may want to check the fuel pressure regulator (there was recall) mine was leaking fuel past the diapham causing a flooding condition on start up.

[ChemMan]

I checked the plugs shortly after I got the car about 6 weeks ago. They were nice and clean, but the gaps were off a little, so I readjusted and it had no effect. Replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the pcv valve with carb cleaner to get the gum out of it. I haven't given the wires or coils much thought, as the car runs smoothly and has plenty of power. I've been meaning to check the fuel pressure, I just need a gauge to do it with. While I'm at it I will check the fuel pressure regulator. Thanks for the input, fellas.

[sixsmiles]

The fuel pressure tester from Advanced Auto worked really well for me. Found out I had low pressure and replaced the fuel pump, works great now.