TBI starting question

[ciffer]

i notice that when i start my engine after it has been sitting for a few hours the needs to crank several times before it will start. when the engine has been sitting for 15 minutes, the engine fires right away.

on newer engines with multi port injection, the pump primes when the key is in run but hasn't started.

this has been the same since i bought my truck over a year ago. i am trying to find out if this is normal, or if there is something i can do to make the engine start faster.

 

[Jason4x4]

you can try turning the key on and wait to crank till you hear the pump shut off, then see if it fires quickly, if it does, it could be the signs of a fuel pump headed south, and not able to prime the lines fast enough.

 

[bp71k5]

It could also be your fuel pump relay. Once it goes, the motor has to crank long enough for the oil pump pressure switch to turn it on instead.

 

[Col_Sanders]

I've had 3 different motors in my 87 and they all take a couple seconds to start. New fuel pump didnt make any difference (put in a high flow for the 383). Dont worry about it unless it really takes a while.

 

[jonathon]

My 91 fires right up.. but I attribute that to pretty much replacing all the 17 year old ignition components..

 

[70jimmy]

Yep I always wait a couple seconds until I hear the fuel pump kick off then mine starts right up. Do it with wifeys car also.

 

[Drey]

Mine you crank it once let off then crank it again and it fires right off.

 

[ciffer]

It could also be your fuel pump relay. Once it goes, the motor has to crank long enough for the oil pump pressure switch to turn it on instead.

how do i check the fuel pump relay?

 

[Kenny78]

My 94 does exactly like Drey's. Crank as long as you want to the first time. Let off, bump again and it starts. I checked to see if it was the fuel pump relay, but when I disced the conn., it took much longer.

 

[bp71k5]

how do i check the fuel pump relay?

If you turn the key on and don't hear the fuel pump come on before the motor starts, the relay might be to blame.

You could also try disconnecting the oil pressure switch and try starting it. If it never starts even after oil pressure starts building then the relay is dead.