Cranks over too long before starting?

Tiny
VANDANMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 BUICK CENTURY
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Always started on the first turn of key but now it turns over like 5 to 8 times before starting. What should I check first? I put in a new set of plugs in and added some engine clean to the gas. Directions also said I could add some to the oil, so I did that to. Still cranks too long. Once running it sounds and runs great. The air filter is dirty but cleaned it and I am waiting for a new one. Should I just leave out to see if it starts better? And is there anything else I can unplug just to see if it starts faster? Thanks
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 AT 2:34 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It sounds like the fuel pressure regulator needs to be replaced, I would remove the vacuum line from the regulator to see if raw gas is present and if so the part is bad. Here is a guide to help as well which shows the most popular causes of hard starting.

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

Here is the location of the fuel pressure regulator so you can check it out. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response

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Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 AT 10:58 AM
Tiny
VANDANMAN
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  • 11 POSTS
Could not get any codes. Mine looks different than the picture you sent. No matter how I hooked them together I got no codes to read by flashing engine light. I also tried disconnecting, I think it was the MAS and it started up better. And here is a pic of plugs I replaced. I will try fuel regulator next and see if there is any gas coming out but I do not see or smell it so far.
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Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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The sensor in the second image is the air intake temperature sensor. The spark plug looks lean, have you changed the fuel filter lately?

Here is the correct way to run the codes:
.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

This car has a MAP sensor not a MAF sensor FYI. Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, April 24th, 2025 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
VANDANMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I was thinking filter to. I will put a new one in.I am hoping it's not pump because as you know that's in the gas tank. As far as codes go i'll see about it Monday because I can't get anything using jumper. Will let you know. Thank you
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Sunday, April 27th, 2025 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, yep, replace the fuel filter and run the codes let me know, have a good week!
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Monday, April 28th, 2025 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
VANDANMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, he did not run codes because engine light was not on, and I forgot to ask him to. When he called later that day, he said the fuel pump seemed to be loud to him, so he replaced the external fuel filter in front of tank and that brought the sound coming from the fuel pump back to normal and also the car starts right up again. He also said any driving I did (which was very little), while the fuel filter was dirty and clogged made the fuel pump work harder and he could not say how much longer that pump will last. So that was it. You told me to replace the filter and that was going to be my next step so I could have avoided the mechanic, but they are kind of a pain to get to so having someone from a shop do it just made it easier for all. Thanks, you guys for all your help. I appreciated it.
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Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are welcome, thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 AT 10:46 AM

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