Minor Frustration with 94 3.4
 

Cold Starting

I have a 1994 3.4 Camaro (Slomaro). It has 158,263 origional miles on it and it has never had major work (like all of you with your vehicles, I baby her immensly). However, she is starting to get crochety. In the mornings, and when I let her sit for couple hours, she fights me at the start. I have to crank her several times and after a sputter or two, on the next crank she will start and run like a charm.
I have run injector cleaners through her, replaced plugs and wires, and I get the same results. I figure that if the injectors were bad I would get intermittent sputters throughout the running, but dont.

ANY thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Papa

Turn the key on for a few seconds, letting the fuel pump run and get fuel to the engine, then try to start.

if that doesn't work than uhhhh i dont know what to do.

I bet one injector is leaking slightly causing no fuel in the line

your help
 

I appreciate all your suggestions. The leave key on for few seconds was tried to no avail. However, the leaking injector is a thought. This goes back to my origional post of I may ask stupid questions so dont laugh at the greenhorn-Im learning. How do I look for leak. I dont see fluids on the ground and I dont smell excessive fuel smell under the hood. Is there a way to check the compression of the fuel lines without major ordeal.

Also, I wonder if there is an external fuel filter. I know the fuel pump is in the tank. Anyone know?

Yea there is a external fuel filter it should be tucked up under the car on the back drivers side.

100 bucks says its fuel pump. my z had the same symptoms, however arch may be right too.

try to get a hold of a fuel pressure gauge and two good hose clamps. hook up the gauge to the shraeder valve and have someone turn the key on. as soon as the pump stops running clamp the fuel lines and watch the gauge.

if the pressure drops its an injector. if it stays the same its the pump check valve.

exactly

Troubleshooting
 

Ok-here is a question
If the fuel pump is bad, and this has happened before requireing a replacement, wouldnt the car not start at all. After several cranks, she finally starts and stays running without a glitch.
I will get under her and check that external fuel filter-I forgot about that.
Papa

no the pump will work fine but the check valve prevents the fuel from running backwards into the tank. normally its not a problem because the pump is running, but when you turn the key on the pump runs for a second then shuts off. when it does and the valve is bad, the fuel runs right back into the tank.

this is why when you start the car it takes awhile because the pump has to generate pressure again.

its kinda retarded, but when my Z did it i would turn the key on, let it run, turn it off and back on, let it run again, etc for 3 or 4 times then crank the bad boy. it usually didnt take nearly as long as it ususally did...dumb i know but it saved the embarassment :D

Give it a try
 

I will try that and see what happens. Will also get under her this week-end to check that filter.

Thanks

Nope
 

Checking filter did not work-any more ideas.