hard start problem (interesting)

[gerro82]

OK, there is a challenge, even for the experts I think:<p>I have a hard start problem after my car has sat for a while (1+ hours, I guess). I found similar topics before, and one of the solutions I found was that there might be a leak in one of the injectors, I have not checked that. The weird thing is that this problem almost always occurs when I leave the car horizontally. If I park in a slightly sloped place (really, around 5 degrees, my guess) with the front end lower than the back end, the car starts almost right up. When I turn off the car (even before it's warmed up) and try to start it, it starts right up, even withouht my using the accelerator pedal.<p>Changed distributor finger, fuel filter, also in the process of changing all spark plugs. Do you, guys, think it could be from my injectors (120k miles, don't know if ever been changed) or from the fuel pump? I seem to be having problems with my idle air control valve, because I run on high RPMs in idle, about 1000-1300, even when car is warm. This valve is disconnected.<p>I have also noticed that if the car has been in the sun for a few hours, then it is also hard to start.<p>In all cases mentioned, the engine turns over when I try to start, so I don't think it is from the starter or the battery.<p>I don't know, it sounds like a mess... will appreciate any respond to this.

[dancake]

Is there a localised black hole in your area? I had a worm hole in the next town last week and my engine run backwards.

[gerro82]

dancake,<p>I am afraid you have to be more detailed in your questions, because i don't have ANY idea about the holes you are talking about.<p>Black hole, worm hole?

[Spydie]

being that we have EFI you shouldn't be tapping the gas on start up at all. Turn the key to the on position but don't start it....listen behind you under the rear seat....do you hear the fuel pump come on for a second? if the car starts up when parked facing downwards you can thank gravity.

[dancake]

Sorry gerro, i was just playing and I apologise. It is an interesing question though and im afraid I dont have any answers. You may be able to check for fault codes etc which may give you some insight into the problem! Is this phenomenon repeatable EVERY single time? if it is then that is some weird stuff you got there.
Good luck

[dancake]

Its not oil or water getting into your combustion chambers is it?. This would probably happen at whatever angle your car is at, but its another avenue to explore.<p>Also do you run your fuel tank next to empty all the time? When the car in flat you may get no fuel pick up, but when its tilted you may get some!!

[gerro82]

Yeah, it is some weird stuff, ain't it ?<p>Anyhow, thanks guys for participating. Dancake, I thought it was funny, nothing wrong with humor, as long as it is not personal, hehe.<p>Darren, I've meant to post the question about the fuel pump, and I forgot. Am I supposed to be able to hear the fuel pump from the driver's seat? I want to turn off my beeps, because I can't hear anything from them. Should I be able to hear the pump even with the beeps on?

[gerro82]

Actually, I was thinking more about the water and the oil getting into my combustion chambers. What I noticed, last week I think I put too much oil in my car (or to "high" level) and then it was almost impossible to start it at horizontal) and of course, had the white smoke on start up. Really sounds like a thing to look into, and what would you guys recommend I do?

[gerro82]

Should be something with the fuel pick up... I think it is a little better on a full tank.

[Spydie]

check your fuel pump....."gravity" was a clue

[gerro82]

I'll check my fuel pump and see. So far, I don't think I've been able to hear it. But, EVERY time I try to start it after I just turned it off, starts right up.

[Spydie]

yes from the drivers seat you should hear a faint 'whiiiirrrr' of the fuel pump....lift up the back seat 1st to hear it better.

[gerro82]

I disconnected the wires under the driver's seat, and the stupid thing does not beep anymore to warn me about my seatbelts. Thanks for the solution.<p>Darren, I have to say that I cannot really hear the fuel pump when I turn the key... I will try tonight by removing the rear seat...<p>If the case is such that I DO NOT hear the fuel pump, and all of the above symptoms apply, is replacing the pump with a new one the only solution?

[Spydie]

no it's just a possibility

[dancake]

Surely the car wouldnt run at all if the fuel pump wasnt pumping. Gravity alone would never create the pressure required at the injectors would it?