QuestionThe car turns over quickly but does not fire until I have cranked it 2 or 3 times, for several seconds each time. After it starts it does not miss, exhaust is not heavy, and it does not lose power when I am driving. It has only 106,000 miles, is not driven much at all, but it has been hard to start for some time. If it has been idle very long I spray cylinder lube in the air intake, and then it starts easily. I have not replaced filters in the system, owned it about one year and do not know about previous maintenance.
AnswerHello Douglas,
Not driven much at all may be part of the problem. A basic tune up may help. Replace the air filter. And if plugs have not been change lately, change the plugs, and verify the best plugs for your climate and driving conditions.
The fuel that is being dispensed now has been reformulated and also may have ethanol added. When it sits in the tank varnish separates and collects on the side wall of the fuel tank and in the system. This varnish is subject to clog you fuel filter and the injectors. This is why it is recommended to add 'sta-bil' if the vehicle is not going to be drive for six months or more.
When the tank is about empty, I would add a bottle of Techtron engine fuel system additive and fill the tank. Take the vehicle out and run it hard on the freeway. You need to get the catalytic converter up to operational temperature so it can burn out some of the additives and carbon.
Now, after having done the less expensive 'fixes', you are still having hard starting problems, I would look at the possibility that the fuel system pressure relieve valve is allowing the system to decompress and fuel is running back into the tank between starts.
Or the injectors are weeping fuel when the vehicle is turned off and the fuel system has to be recharged with petrol before the vehicle will start.
Good Luck and let us know what you determine.
Rob
