2001 trouble starting

[1jonathan1994]

This is not a starter or slow turning over problem. Its fuel, spark, or air related. I bought this car after it had been sitting unused for over half a year “AS IS” 2001 LeSabre Custom with 98k miles.

Sometimes the car starts instantly. Sometimes it cranks and cranks while trying to fire up for 4 or 5 seconds. If I give it gas it often starts. If I let off the key after a few seconds of cranking and try again its guaranteed to need more cranking. Does not seem related to temperature or hot or cold engine – its random when it instantly starts, but most of the time is lots of cranking. Once it fires up and hits normal rpms for even an instant it runs perfect and gets great gas mileage and power. FYI I always get it started with less than 5 seconds of cranking even if I have to gun the gas pedal. Turning the key on and off to prime and pressurize the pump makes no difference.

It often makes several quiet low hissing backfires while cranking, probably related to me pushing the accelerator. I have had one popping backfire and one severe backfire that blew off the vacuum line to the fuel regulator/emission device. THIS MAKES ME SUSPECT THE CRANK POSITIONS SENSOR or maybe cam sensor. It couldn’t be a sticking valve or burned valve seat since she runs so good could it? Again, once its running she purrs perfectly including idle. I did a coolant flush and see no change in antifreeze level nor any darkening since. Oil analysis showed 6 times more iron than normal, but the previous owner used it hard on a rural mail route in 95F plus weather with 5w-30 oil instead of 10W-30 (shop just used what they had in the tank) and that particular oil sat in the car for a long time.

I have changed the PCV valve, air filter, fuel filter, fuel cap, electrical tape fixed a vacuum leak in the double split hose going to the fuel pressure regulator/emission. Spark plugs are next. Hours after cutting the car off the fuel line Schrader valve forcefully spits out fuel. Unplugging the fuel pump relay won’t let the car start at all and much cranking didn’t let the fuel pressure off with no relay when I was trying to install the fuel filter. When I unplug the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator I don’t see or smell gas.

The car has no CEL. It HAD an EVAP code and EGR code when I got it. Replaced the fuel cap, cleaned the EGR, new fuel cap, disconnected battery and no CEL since.

My plan is to install the spark plugs I already have, run some fuel injector cleaner, then just limp through summer before ordering tons of parts and hope the fuel injector cleaner helps. This is only the second fresh tank of fuel since the car set up for several months.

 

[MelsRegal]

Maybe try cleaning the throttle body?
Try Techron II in the gas.
Does the temperature gauge give normal readings once warm?
Have you tried a fuel pressure test?

 

[1jonathan1994]

Maybe try cleaning the throttle body?
Try Techron II in the gas.
Does the temperature gauge give normal readings once warm?
Have you tried a fuel pressure test?

Will try cleaning throttle body in a few weeks. Busy.
doing STP fuel injection cleaner now.
Temp and oil read normal.
no fuel pressure gauge.

 

[Alan 55]

I agree that a fuel pressure test is needed. You may be able to use a gauge from your local auto parts store by means of the loan a tool program. I would call around and check on this at Autozone and other similar stores. Be sure to wear safety glasses and follow all safety procedures.

 

[dauntlessII]

I sure wish the OP would provide an update on his fix. I am currently diving into the same rabbit hole with a 2002 3.8 serII.

 

[1jonathan1994]

I sure wish the OP would provide an update on his fix. I am currently diving into the same rabbit hole with a 2002 3.8 serII.

Never fixed it. Mostly use it for long trips anyway. Will replace the starter if needed and just keep a fresh battery.
It's so weird that sometimes the engine starts INSTANTLY like a quarter turn. Then other times 4 or 5 seconds of whirring.

Once had it start instantly then I accidentally turned it off after less than a second of running. 2 seconds later it needed several seconds to start.

 

[Mad_Coachman]

Never fixed it. Mostly use it for long trips anyway. Will replace the starter if needed and just keep a fresh battery.
It's so weird that sometimes the engine starts INSTANTLY like a quarter turn. Then other times 4 or 5 seconds of whirring.

Once had it start instantly then I accidentally turned it off after less than a second of running. 2 seconds later it needed several seconds to start.

My 2002 Lesabre Limited acts in a similar fashion. I'm going to change the Fuel pressure regulator. I'll let you know if it makes any difference.