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Hard Starting

Tiny
SCHADHA
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 INFINITI I30
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 252,000 MILES
When I turn on the key the engine does not start immediately. Most of the time it cranks for a while and then starts. I had the car tuned up and go the electrical system (battery, starter and alternator) checked and they all seem to be ok. What could be the problem. However, very rarely it does start immediately without any delay.
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Thursday, September 16th, 2010 AT 12:16 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi schadha, Welcome to 2carpros

This sounds like a weak fuel pump which can cause hard starting here is a guide that will help us check the fuel pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter and fuel pump if okay might want to test the coolant temperature sensor this sensor.

Please run down these guides and report back

Cheers
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Friday, September 17th, 2010 AT 6:09 AM
Tiny
JUDY007
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
I had this problem and the shop replaced the fuel pump costs me $430.00 all fixed! Thought you should know.
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Saturday, June 30th, 2018 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
SSIMON9741
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 INFINITI I30
  • 150,000 MILES
Hard start some times especially when it is cold.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
How cold are you talking about? Have you done all the basic tune checks as yet?
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
UPHOGGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1997 INFINITI I30
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,580 MILES
Just bought the car and was running great until the other day when I noticed it was getting harder to start. Does not matter if the engine is hot or cold, still has problems. Have to pump the gas pedal which creates a raw fuel smell until it warms up and then the car runs fine. Any suggestions?
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Check for a fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail, it will have a small vacuum line going to the intake manifold. If there is any fuel present in the vacuum line the reg needs to be replaced. Sounds like it is going too rich, when you open the throttle and give it air it will start. Is the tune up in good order as well?
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
UPHOGGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I checked the small vacuum hose on the regulator and it was dry. In the process giving it a tune-up, changed the plugs and found one of them with a small amount of oil on it but the rest looked good. Also changing fuel filter and belts. Anything else should I change on the tune-up? Let you know if the starting issue is resolved.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Use carburetor cleaner and a rag to clean around the butterfly in the throttle bore. When the reversion builds up around it, the proper amount of air cannot get by and it can affect the way it starts and runs.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
UPHOGGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I did the tune-up, changed the fuel filter with no results. Car is still hard to start, the check engine light is now on but I think it is from when I disconnected the electrical connector from the air flow sensor when I removed the air filter assembly to clean the throttle body. Could the fuel regulator still be bad? Do not like to change it at $80.00 a pop if it is not the problem. Could a bad injector or weak fuel pump cause this? The car idles smooth and runs great once it is running. What is strange about it that it is not consistent, there are times it will start fine but it is happening more often.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
UPHOGGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I saw a similar problem online and the guy mentioned the same thing that his Infinity I30 is hard to start but runs fine, but he also mentioned that he heard the engine make a "popping sound" while he tried to start it. And come to think of it I have heard the same thing. Do not know if that helps.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
You can use a fuel pressure gauge to verify pressure. That will at least rule out the pump as the problem. When gauge is installed, the pressure should jump up a little when engine is revved up, if it does that the regulator is most likely okay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
UPHOGGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I will give it a try. Where is the fitting to hook up the gauge too? If the fuel pressure is okay and I see the increase showing the regulator is okay, do you have anymore suggestions?
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
You could try cleaning the Mass AIrflow Meter. Use the correct cleaner for it though or it will ruin it. Beyond that it may need to be put on a scanner to see if the cam or crank signal is erratic.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:39 AM (Merged)

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