Hard starts in a 97 SLS - Page 2

N*Caddy · #16 (**permalink**) 09-18-09, 10:46 PM

If there is any kind of gas where the vacuum line attaches the FPR is bad.

chp350 · #17 (**permalink**) 09-18-09, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N*Caddy

I still believe is the FPR (even if dry). This is how mine started too; hard start (hot) but bone-dry nipple.

Fleishman..even with you posting twice earlier that the fpr was dry..N*caddy is right again..now with gas dripping out confirms hes 100% correct..

**Ranger** · #18 (**permalink**) 09-19-09, 11:03 AM

I have heard of a case or two where the vacuum line was pulled and there was no fuel, BUT add vacuum to it with a hand held vacuum pump or suction from your mouth via a vacuum hose and walla, fuel. I would not replace it untill you prove it bad though. I seem to recall that little bugger being rather pricey for what it is.

N*Caddy · #19 (**permalink**) 09-19-09, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I have heard of a case or two where the vacuum line was pulled and there was no fuel, BUT add vacuum to it with a hand held vacuum pump or suction from your mouth via a vacuum hose and walla, fuel. I would not replace it untill you prove it bad though. I seem to recall that little bugger being rather pricey for what it is.

Yeah is pretty price (around $50 for such a tiny thing) but he can always go to the nearest wreck yard and grab one or two (just in case one happens to be bad) for less than $5. Try it on if it works then use-it until you get a new one if not...well for $5 you know the FPR is good at least.

fleishman · #20 (**permalink**) 09-22-09, 02:01 PM

I am ordering a new FPR from RockAuto. Now that I have been paying closer attention, the hard starts seem to only occur when the engine is hot and rarely occur if my car has been sitting for a few hours.

I also checked with the dealership who replaced my nylon fuel rail per the recall with a stainless rail and they show in their records: "fpr replacement optional, replaced (NO)."

I got a nasty backfire this morning after cranking a bit.. loud pop and a wisp of gray smoke from under the hood!

hopefully unrelated issue... my last two fill-ups.. my car has smelled like gasoline on a full tank! wtf.

submariner409 · #21 (**permalink**) 09-22-09, 03:35 PM

Backfire, loud pop, gray smoke: The intake manifold overpressure valve lifted on the backfire. A mushroom or flapper valve in the recess in the manifold, behind the p/s pump. Check the valve and the PCV connection in there, too.

Gasoline smell: Rusted out fuel tank fill pipe. Not uncommon, and junkyard replacement only. Dealer OEM stocks impossible to find. (Maybe, just maybe, either an EVAP vacuum or solenoid problem - but that should set a code - or the fuel tank sensor assembly gasket/seal ring in the top of the tank is leaking.)

N*Caddy · #22 (**permalink**) 09-22-09, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleishman

I am ordering a new FPR from RockAuto. Now that I have been paying closer attention, the hard starts seem to only occur when the engine is hot and rarely occur if my car has been sitting for a few hours.

I also checked with the dealership who replaced my nylon fuel rail per the recall with a stainless rail and they show in their records: "fpr replacement optional, replaced (NO)."

I got a nasty backfire this morning after cranking a bit.. loud pop and a wisp of gray smoke from under the hood!

hopefully unrelated issue... my last two fill-ups.. my car has smelled like gasoline on a full tank! wtf.

The FPR for the nylon fuel line is different than the one for the steel one. They look very similar and I am sure I can interchange them but a dealer SHOULD know the FPR must be changed with the fuel line. If you order one make sure is the one for the steel line (is should say something “w/steel line” or recall something or “second design”.
But my advice is still standing, try a used one first.

fleishman · #23 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 01:49 PM

Update:

Changed the FPR, fixed everything.

I ordered an FPR for the stainless line off RockAuto. It was only $50 and shipped in 2 days. I have no hard starting issues and my exhaust does not smell so rich anymore!

I don't believe the FPR I had was damaged or leaking.. it simply was the FPR for the nylon line that the dealer did not swap out 1 year ago.. sweet.

Thank you to all who posted!

Just a tip.. don't replace your FPR while your engine is remotely hot.. You will get a face full of pressurized gasoline when you pull the locking pin out of the FPR bracket on the fuel line.

**Ranger** · #24 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 04:34 PM

Hot or cold makes no difference (except for the fire hazard). You must bleed off the fuel pressure BEFORE pulling the retainer. If I didn't say that, I guess I thought that such basics where understood. Sorry if I omitted telling you that. I usually mention it.

N*Caddy · #25 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 08:31 PM

Just to clarify for everybody who stumble upon this:
In case of ANY intervention to the fuel line (including the fuel filter and fuel pump) first ensure the ignition is OFF then release the fuel line pressure from the Schrader valve (located under the beauty cover on the fuel line – front bank – drivers side). The Schrader valve looks like an oversized tire valve and has a plastic cover (again same design like the tire valve). A functional fuel system WILL hold pressure on the line even more than one year. So even if your ignition was not turned ON for one-year if your fuel system is in working condition chances are you still have pressure. Is not acceptable to lose the line pressure in less than 4-5 days in any case.

submariner409 · #26 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 09:43 PM

A Northstar fuel system which loses pressure within 3 -4 days is not right.

What N*Caddy and Ranger just posted is basic to fuel injection system maintenance and safety.

DSM_RICH · #27 (**permalink**) 10-03-09, 10:05 PM

Hey guys i did a search but cant find the answer , this thread has alot of answers but one remains , what is the difference between the fpr for nylon vs the stainless line? Autozone only shows the nylon available, the stainless shows as not available so im wondering if the nylon will still work with the stainless line on my 96 SLS, thanks in advance.

N*Caddy · #28 (**permalink**) 10-03-09, 10:25 PM

Unless you hold both in your hands you can’t tell the difference (and even then is kind of hard to tell). . I think the steel one is slightly shallower (but that was just my impression).

**Ranger** · #29 (**permalink**) 10-03-09, 10:44 PM

I think the only difference is the hair pin retainer.

DSM_RICH · #30 (**permalink**) 10-03-09, 10:50 PM

i had a local cadillac shop tell me they never had a problem with the the fpr for the nylon line when installed on a stainless fuel line, what do you think ?should i go with it or wait till monday and buy the SS from the dealer ? im going to save around 20 bucks if i go with auto zone.