My 2.2 litre Sonoma has a quirky starting issue. When cold it starts instantly and runs smoothly. When up to operating temperature "sometimes" I have to crank it quite a bit for it to start. Seem odd the reverse of norm to me. Any ideas???
Weird starting issue
- Thread starter pickemup
- Start date
Molson02536
New member
HARD STARTING WHEN HOT "If your engine cranks for a long time before it fires up when hot, but starts fine when it's cold, you may have a leaking check valve in the fuel pump.
In order to start immediately, fuel needs to remain in the fuel lines. A faulty fuel pump check valve will allow the fuel to flow back into the gas tank leaving the air in the fuel lines. When you attempt to start the car, all the fuel lines need to be filled first to build up enough pressure to start injecting.
This takes especially long when the engine is hot since the injection system runs leaner when hot. Find out if the fuel pump check valve is the problem by getting someone to clamp the rubber return fuel line to stop the flow of fuel on the engine side of the fuel pump right when you turn off the engine.
Wait 20 minutes, have your friend remove the clamp and immediately try to start your car. If it starts up right away, it's the check valve and time for a new pump."
