QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2002 Santa Fe 2.7L that is difficult to start after it sits overnight. After 3 attempts of cranking the engine for about 5 seconds each the car will start. There also is an odor of raw gasoline present. Does this indicate a purge control valve malfunction?
ANSWER: A purge control valve issue is possible, but very improbable. If the valve were stuck open, you'd primarily notice symptoms after refueling.
Because of the fuel odor, I'd recommend checking for fuel leaks. It's possible the fuel pressure is bleeding down due to a fuel leak, making the vehicle hard to start because of the difficulty building up fuel pressure again.
If there are no leaks, the fuel pressure regulator is most likely defective, allowing the fuel pressure to bleed off when the engine is off. Keep in mind, however, that this does not explain the fuel odor.
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QUESTION: Thanks for the reply. I tried to blow through the purge control valve and the seal on both ends is tight. Is there a way to check the fuel pressure regulator?
AnswerYou'll need a fuel pressure gauge and a pair of needlenose vise grips to check the fuel pressure regulator.
First, install the fuel pressure gauge inline. Then start the engine. Note the fuel pressure. If my memory is correct, it should be about 40 PSI. Then turn the engine off and observe the fuel pressure. You should see an immediate small decrease in pressure. If the pressure drops back to zero, you have just confirmed that the fuel pressure is bleeding off. To verify this bleed-off is due to the fuel pressure regulator, have an assistant start the engine and shut it back off. When the engine is shut off, clamp the fuel return hose shut. If the fuel pressure doesn't drop after clamping, you've verified the problem is with the fuel pressure regulator.
*Do not run the engine with the fuel return line clamped shut. This will cause excessive pressure and can cause leaks or busting of the line.*
