Air filter and hard start...

[Firstymer]

I really want to replace my air filter for my 00' GP SE but i'm not sure what best for my engine. Can anyone help me on what air filter to get for my vehicle? should it be a Fram or K&N air filter? If so, what causing my car to have hard start...sometimes it takes several attempts until the engine initially startup....

00' Grand Prix Se w/ 120+ km

['97ventureowner]

I've always recommended to my customers who own GM vehicles to use A C Delco filters. They offer the best filtration for the money. Remember the old advertising slogan"Keep your GM car all GM" ? That's pretty good advice. I use A C Delco air and oil filters along with plugs in all my GM vehicles and never had any issues with them.
Here's an interesting study on various air filters done independently on a GM Duramax Diesel. As you can see by the results, the Delcos performed quite well. http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

[Firstymer]

hey,

Lately I notice several problems with my 00' GP se with 120km+. Everytime I fuel my gas tank up and drive off the car will shut off. Also, when it pour down rain while driving it will shut off. The staff at Auto zone told me it could be my throttle position control sensor. And when it sits in the sun sometimes it will be hard to start. Prevously, someone told me its the circuit control to the fuel tank vent solenoid causing the car to have trouble starting. How can I rectify or solve the problem?

Code: P0448-vent control circuit
GM part: #19133429

[Firstymer]

So are you recommending me to replace my air filter with AC Delco air filter because based upon the results of the testing?

[richtazz]

I merged your two threads due to the similar subject matter, no sense having two thread adressing the same issue(s)

I would suggest sticking to the AC-Delco. They faired best in a combination of air-flow and longevity (Fram was one of the worst national brands), as well as the size particles they trapped. K&N (and all other cotton gauze reusable air filters) do not live up to their claims.

Your hard starting issue is probably excessive pressure/vacuum building up in the fuel tank due to a bad vent solenoid or its control circuit.

['97ventureowner]

No, I'm not recommending it based just on the testing, but on personal experience of myself and acquaintances, and customers. I just presented the link for informational purposes to show how well A C Delco air filters perform against other brands. For what they cost, it is a good value in filtration. One can further research info on the web to make a better informed decision as to what air filter is right for them. The best place to start is to search through some of the other threads on this site which have experiences from other members as well.
In fact, here is a link to a very recent thread on a similar subject:http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=741216

[Firstymer]

Thanks Richtazz, but i still need help in solving the problem with the excessive/vacuum build up in the fuel thank due to bad vent solenoid or its control circuit. Is there any photo or visual aide to help me or any further info to fix the problem?

Originally Posted by richtazz

I merged your two threads due to the similar subject matter, no sense having two thread adressing the same issue(s)

I would suggest sticking to the AC-Delco. They faired best in a combination of air-flow and longevity (Fram was one of the worst national brands), as well as the size particles they trapped. K&N (and all other cotton gauze reusable air filters) do not live up to their claims.

Your hard starting issue is probably excessive pressure/vacuum building up in the fuel tank due to a bad vent solenoid or its control circuit.

[BNaylor]

Any SES/CEL light? First of all if it is an evaporative emissions fault in most if not all cases the PCM module should store a DTC and trigger the SES/CEL Mil light. How about fuel pressure? Has it been checked for proper specs? That way you can check fuel pump, fuel pump control/electrical, fuel filter, and the fuel pressure regulator, etc. Also, remove the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator and check for fuel contamination.

[Firstymer]

Thanks for the reply...but how can I do that and where is the vacuum line? Do you have any visual aide or photo to pinpoint the items?

[jem270]

Here are a couple pictures of my 1997. (I know it is dirty) The schrader valve has a tire valve looking cap on it.

[BNaylor]

It depends on which engine you have. I'm assuming the 3100 SFI V6. At the rear fuel rail (fuel injection) right side is a Schrader valve where you can connect a fuel pressure gauge. Next to power steering pump. Actron tester is shown in pic below.



The fuel pressure regulator is located on the front fuel rail left side (driver's) in between the upper intake manifold and throttle body. I'll see if I can post a pic later if you can't find it. Can't miss the vacuum line which is on top.

[BNaylor]

According to the OP's prior post history this '00 Grand Prix SE has a 3100 engine. See pic below for FPR circled in yellow.

[Firstymer]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Any SES/CEL light? First of all if it is an evaporative emissions fault in most if not all cases the PCM module should store a DTC and trigger the SES/CEL Mil light. How about fuel pressure? Has it been checked for proper specs? That way you can check fuel pump, fuel pump control/electrical, fuel filter, and the fuel pressure regulator, etc. Also, remove the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator and check for fuel contamination.

Thanks for the pic...however, how can I check for fuel contamination and the hose that attached to the fuel pressure regulator is that the vacuum line? What the needed step or procedures to solve the problem with my car?

[BNaylor]

Pull the vacuum line and look plus smell for strong presence of gasoline. This checks for a possible ruptured diaphragm within the FPR and is an easy obvious check. If nothing visible then check fuel pressure. A flaky FPR can cause hard/difficult starting but a fuel pressure check can rule it in or out as the possible cause.