My car NEVER starts on the first try!It takes two or three times ?

[viperrt96]

I have my suspicions to what could be my problem but would like to hear of any that I might overlook. First of all it is a 96RT with 18k miles. The only mods are K&N's and tubes. I suspected plugs and wires. I just did the plugs (no change in starting performance). The old ones looked good, all uniform in color and wear. Nothing to be alarmed about. The car has always ran good(after it starts). I now suspect the wires because since changing the plugs I think it aggravated what might have been going bad to begin with. It now surges(it could be a miss) around 5k RPM. I cant tell the difference. This car has ALWAYS been hard to start. Ever since I owned it(14k). IM 2nd owner. Prior owner told me it was common among these cars. I had a local dealer tell me it could be a weak fuel pump or one that is bleeding the pressure off as it sits. This car has a weird fuel system since it has no return line from the fuel rail. Only a supply line. The regulator is in with the fuel pump(tank). I just ordered a new set of wires(factory) and a new fuel filter. I will put a gage on the fuel valve to see if it has the correct fuel pressure(55). I need to know if there is anything else it could be? It has never given me a check engine light either. I hope IM on the right track..

 

[Viper Wizard]

viperrt96,
The only fuel pumps I've changed have been on 96&97!
Hook up your fuel gauge to schrader valve-make sure you have 55psi-then turn motor off and come back in two hours.If fuel pressure has drop more then 15-20psi-replace pump.
Hope this has helped?

 

[vipergtsr]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by viperrt96:
I have my suspicions to what could be my problem but would like to hear of any that I might overlook. First of all it is a 96RT with 18k miles. The only mods are K&N's and tubes. I suspected plugs and wires. I just did the plugs (no change in starting performance). The old ones looked good, all uniform in color and wear. Nothing to be alarmed about. The car has always ran good(after it starts). I now suspect the wires because since changing the plugs I think it aggravated what might have been going bad to begin with. It now surges(it could be a miss) around 5k RPM. I cant tell the difference. This car has ALWAYS been hard to start. Ever since I owned it(14k). IM 2nd owner. Prior owner told me it was common among these cars. I had a local dealer tell me it could be a weak fuel pump or one that is bleeding the pressure off as it sits. This car has a weird fuel system since it has no return line from the fuel rail. Only a supply line. The regulator is in with the fuel pump(tank). I just ordered a new set of wires(factory) and a new fuel filter. I will put a gage on the fuel valve to see if it has the correct fuel pressure(55). I need to know if there is anything else it could be? It has never given me a check engine light either. I hope IM on the right track..

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[vipergtsr]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by viperrt96:
I have my suspicions to what could be my problem but would like to hear of any that I might overlook. First of all it is a 96RT with 18k miles. The only mods are K&N's and tubes. I suspected plugs and wires. I just did the plugs (no change in starting performance). The old ones looked good, all uniform in color and wear. Nothing to be alarmed about. The car has always ran good(after it starts). I now suspect the wires because since changing the plugs I think it aggravated what might have been going bad to begin with. It now surges(it could be a miss) around 5k RPM. I cant tell the difference. This car has ALWAYS been hard to start. Ever since I owned it(14k). IM 2nd owner. Prior owner told me it was common among these cars. I had a local dealer tell me it could be a weak fuel pump or one that is bleeding the pressure off as it sits. This car has a weird fuel system since it has no return line from the fuel rail. Only a supply line. The regulator is in with the fuel pump(tank). I just ordered a new set of wires(factory) and a new fuel filter. I will put a gage on the fuel valve to see if it has the correct fuel pressure(55). I need to know if there is anything else it could be? It has never given me a check engine light either. I hope IM on the right track..

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

it's the regulator, and it can be replaced by itself without replacing the whole pump. i've replaced several on the earlier cars.

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan M 98 GTS NY:
Check valve in the fuel pump is bad. Which lets fuel pressure leak down when car is not running. In the mean time before getting the pump replaced just turn the key on and off a couple of times which will start the pump and repressurize the line. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Alan nailed it....this was posted at least 25 times on the older VCA boards. Too bad we don't have a SYMPTOM-DIAGNOSIS-FIX secttion.

SYMPTOM is hard-to-start....several atteempts and then a start.

To DIAGNOSE, simply turn key to ON (not START) position 3 times. You should hear the fuel pump buzz for 1.5 sec each time.
On the time, START the car after the buzz. If it starts right up, you indeed have fuel pressure leakdown problem. Very common in Gen-I Vipers.

Ti FIX you can choose to replace the module or "prime" the pump w/ the key as described above. The surging may in fact be related however....

 

[Steve-Indy]

Same problem with our 95...fuel pump replaced under warranty...works well now!!!

 

[viperrt96]

I appreciate the help. It looks like it is definitely my fuel pump or valve. Whichever it is I have absolutely no fuel pressure upon initial start and several cranks to start position without starting the car. IT is SO bad I dont know how the car is even running. I put a fuel gage on it and upon several cranks(no start)I could not get a reading. I then thought the gage has to be bad. I verified the gage. Its not totaly acurate but it appeared to be close. I then took the schrader valve stem completely out and hooked the gage up directly. I only got 40lbs and it is upon a running condition and it takes several seconds to get it to that pressure. IM surprise this hasnt stranded me and furthermore I wonder how many ponies I've been missing.