Why wont a 97 Buick start right away?

J

johnie s

New member
The car only has 40k miles, new plugs and fuel filter. 3.8 engine. The car runs great but it rarely starts on the first crank. Usually have to crank it 2 or 3 times before it will start. on the 2nd or 3rd crank it starts right up and runs great. Any ideas? Thanks!!!
Also it has new battery. and even when the car is warmed up it usually will not start on the first crank. (by crank i mean turning the engine over for a few seconds)
 
Sounds to me like it's losing residual fuel pressure. Possibly a bad fuel pump check valve or pressure regulator? Haven't worked on a normally aspirated 3.8 Buick in nearly 2 years.

Try keying it on once, letting it sit for five seconds, and then cranking it. If it is a fuel pressure problem, it should start easier once you give the fuel pump a chance to prime.

Otherwise, best to take it to someone who knows.
 
The other guy is right, to test it try this- turn the key on for 5 seconds, but do not crank it over.then turn it to the off position. Then try to start it. It will probably start now. If so you have a fuel pressure or fuel pump problem. This is very common and reasonable to fix.
Let me know if this works,
Good Luck.
 
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