Hard-ish start (longer crank)

[N*Caddy]

Ok my turn again.
In the last month or so I noticed 3-4 times it took little bit longer cranking time to start the engine. It usually takes ~0.5 of a second but few time when releasing the key I noticed the engine was barley starting (little hesitating). I didn’t pay much attention until Saturday when after a longer drive I parked the car and 30 minutes later when starting the car I had to crank 3 times. First time the usual 0.5 sec (is like a habit to me), then I thought maybe I released the key earlier so one more time (same 0.5 second) still nothing, then I had to crank a good 2 seconds until it started (during the 2 seconds it was trying to start with hesitations). Anyway once the engine started I could smell gas (like it was flooded). But other than that once started idle is fine drives fine (even on hard acceleration). Today I also had to crank twice in one-occasion again 30 minutes after parking the car. I noticed that if I put the ignition ON for a second or so and then crank starts as usual. So is the FPR? Don’t tell me it could be the fuel pump (replaced 3 year ago). Now I do have a kink (see picture) on the fuel line (since over 2 years) when I replaced the fuel lines with stainless steel, I was planing to do something about it (ever since) but that did not affected the engine so far.



I have no codes, I did not tested yet to see if it holds the pressure on the line nor the FPR (crappy weather), I was looking for a preliminary opinion so I know where to start. I believe it has to do with the fuel system, but maybe I am wrong.
Now I was just about to replace the EGR valve too (one of these days) I had over a month ago 3 times in 2 weeks the “P0404 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Open Position Performance” code, but after I bought the valve no more message (go figure!). I am sure is not related (or is it?).

[Ranger]

So is the FPR?

Yup, I'd almost put money on it. Just pull the vacuum line at idle and look for fuel at the nipple. There should be none.

[41bigdawg]

My 96 Eldo acted the same way turned out to be the FPR. Pull off the vacuum hose and look for any signs of a leak. This is not a fool proof check though, just because it doesn't leak doesn't mean that it is good.

[N*Caddy]

Today I checked the FPR, no gas leak. Also was first time in the last 2 years since I removed the engine cover. Strange thing…vacuum hose connected or not to the FPR, engine starts fine idles fine (no difference), vacuum seems pretty strong, hoses are tight…
I asked my cousin to start my car and tell me if he feels something different (after he started) and he said the cranking time in his opinion is same as before. Well I know is not in my imagination since I had to crank in two ocasions 3 and 2 times respectively. But for now I will just keep an eye on it.

[boxhalr188]

My '98 Eldo is doing the same thing (intermittent hard start,) I just had the fuel pump changed. Where is the FPR located and as I understand pull the vac. line off and see if any fuel is coming out?

[submariner409]

The FPR, while you're standing at the front of the car, is on the right rear quarter of the fuel rail, sort of behind and just left of the throttlebody. It is held in against 2 O-rings by a hairpin shaped clip. Take a look at www.rockauto.com, surf to your car, fuel system, and click on the little picture or the (!) icon for a larger view. pull the vacuum tit while the engine is idling.

[N*Caddy]

Did-it again last night, only does-it sometime when is warm (say 30-60 minutes after last run). Last night I had to crank again little over a second until started. Even when is starting fine sometimes I see it needs 1 second or so to catch up to the regular idle.

boxhalr188, look at this picture, the FPR is highlighted with that red circle. Rockauto.com has it for ~$50 + shipping. Mine is good…unfortunately.

[Ranger]

Mine is good…unfortunately.

Then I'd see what your fuel pressure is at key on, and again while cranking. Maybe a weak fuel pump or a bad relay.

[N*Caddy]

Originally Posted by Ranger

Then I'd see what your fuel pressure is at key on, and again while cranking. Maybe a weak fuel pump or a bad relay.

Hey Ranger!
You just gave me an idea! I forgot about the fuel pump relay. The pump is 3 years new (~80K). Then I am thinking to that slightly shaky idle, I always had on the car, can figure out of the life of me what is wrong. I mean is not bad idle at all, for any car would be perfect, but not for a Cadillac. Then maybe I am to peaky because I remember one rainy day I was waiting at traffic light and the vibration induced by the stop/start movement of the wipers (if anybody ever felt that) was some how annoying me.

[Ranger]

It should idle so smooth that you do not know it's running.

[N*Caddy]

Well some times it doesn’t, especially when waiting at the first traffic light after a harder than usual long HWY drive (you feel some slight vibrations) and is like this since always.
I still remember my father always had a saying “is not like an idling Cadillac where you put a full glass of water on the engine and it doesn’t spill one drop”. Some how I am trying to achieve this.

[Ranger]

Not sure what to tell you there. I cannot feel mine idle at all and as far as I can remember, if I open the hood with the engine running, it sites perfectly still. I don't even think I'd see a ripple on the glass of water. I should try that someday.

[N*Caddy]

GOT IT!

Ranger you were right, is the FPR. Today I replaced the EGR and as part of the job I had to de-pressurize the fuel line. Once the new EGR was in I turned the ignition ON for 5 seconds to build the pressure back in the line and started the engine. Removed the vacuum from the FPR and right there it was whet.
So I guess my next purchase is the ~$100 (here in Canada) FPR.

[Ranger]

Glad you got it.

[Kick94sts]

I've had the same problems a few times in the winter and i figured it was the spark plugs or something and now its nice out and i have new plugs but it has done it once again since its been nice, so we will see haha