[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]

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]

:thumbsup: 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

 

[N*Caddy]

Finally replaced the faulty FPR. Took me 5 minutes, is easy as a breeze. The most part of the 5 minutes was struggling to recover the red rubbery covers that goes on the pointy ends of the clip holding the FPR down (long nose pliers did the job just fine).
So starts normal again, well it was kind-of starting normal even before just once in a while needed twice the cranking time and required some 1-2 seconds after to go to a steady idle.
Now starts just fine and the needle just stick right away to the normal idle.
On this occasion (since I had the engine cover out) I discovered I also need both those rubber 90 degrees elbows (cracked), the one on the PCV valve and the one on the other end near the throttle body). At least they don't look expensive (like this priceless FPR!)

 

[hog1340]

I have a 95 sls, and it too has difficulty in starting after it has been driven then sits for a short bit. Does the 95 have an FPR? Is it in the same place as your 97? I couldn't find it on the Rock auto site.

Thanks

 

[N*Caddy]

I have a 95 sls, and it too has difficulty in starting after it has been driven then sits for a short bit. Does the 95 have an FPR? Is it in the same place as your 97? I couldn't find it on the Rock auto site.

Thanks

I believe in 94 the engine cover (and intake manifold) was redesigned. The cover use to be a functional part of the intake manifold, after that the cover is just that, a cover with some foam underneath to reduce the engine noise and look pretty.
In the same time the fuel line was redesigned and should be the same as the one in ’96 and ’97. There was a recall for the ‘95-’97 fuel lines so I would assume is the same fuel line.
Does your engine look like this when you remove the cover?

If so is the same like ’97. Also if your fuel line is nylon not stainless steel I would recommend you to check with GM if your car is included in the recall. In any situation I would recommend you changing the fuel line with stainless steel. Should look like this:

 

[Ranger]

I have a 95 sls, and it too has difficulty in starting after it has been driven then sits for a short bit. Does the 95 have an FPR? Is it in the same place as your 97? I couldn't find it on the Rock auto site.

Thanks

Yes it has a FPR and it is the same as the '97. The change that N* is talking about was in '95. The '93/'94 had the the functional intake cover with the fuel rail and FPR inside the manifold. The FPR is readily visible in the second picture on the rear fuel rail with the hair pin retainer.

 

[hog1340]

Yes mine does look like that. Later I will check to see if there is a stainless line or nylon. If stainless I will just replace the FPR. And I did find it on the Rock auto site.

Thanks for your help guys.