Engine cranks longer when cold

[Falcon_LS]

When the engine is cold, my '01 Grand Marquis cranks for 3-4 seconds before the engine fires up. If I was to kill the ignition and start it up again, it starts immediately.

This afternoon, I noticed I smell gas after the engine fired up, as if there's a lean running condition. I'm looking at the camshaft position sensor, fuel injector pressure regulator and possibly a leaky injector. Is there anything else I should check? Thanks!

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Could be the IAC...In my 99 I smelled gas and it was taking longer to start...The IAC was the problem.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Would the IAC not cause erratic idle though?

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Would the IAC not cause erratic idle though?

It would but just for a few short seconds.

 

[punisher]

Fuel pump ck valve in the fuel pump/fuel delivery module.

Cycle the key to the "run" position a couple of times to pressurize the fuel rail before you crank it over. If that alleviates the problem, then you diagnosed it.

 

[Sayjac]

Also check the crank angle sensor. Having a Altima, these have been noted to be very iffy. Interestingly mine is the opposite, when hot, especially ambient combined with engine, mine does similar to yours, but no gas smell. Always starts on second round, and runs like a champ when started.

 

[mechtech2]

Smelling gas would not indicate lean, but rich.
You have it backwards.
Normally, crank and cam sensors would throw a code, and they are not usually temperature sensitive when they puke.
A coolant sensor may be bad, telling the computer that the engine is warmer that it is.
Ignitions usually go out when hot, but it is possible.
This sounds like fuel - lack of it. Fuel filter, pump, and injectors are possible.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for the responses. I have tried the trick of leaving the ignition in the on position for a while before cranking, but unfortunately that hasn't helped.

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Smelling gas would not indicate lean, but rich.
You have it backwards.
Normally, crank and cam sensors would throw a code, and they are not usually temperature sensitive when they puke.
A coolant sensor may be bad, telling the computer that the engine is warmer that it is.
Ignitions usually go out when hot, but it is possible.
This sounds like fuel - lack of it. Fuel filter, pump, and injectors are possible.


Thanks for clearing that up, it's been a long day.

I replaced the fuel filter about 1,000 miles ago so I suppose that leaves the pump, injectors and regulator.

 

[Sayjac]

Please let us know what you find out! So few ever follow up with the resolution.

And yes the camshaft position sensor, and the crank position (angle) sensor normally throw a code when faulty. But, at least in the Altima, sometimes they don't.

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Thanks for the responses. I have tried the trick of leaving the ignition in the on position for a while before cranking, but unfortunately that hasn't helped.

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Smelling gas would not indicate lean, but rich.
You have it backwards.
Normally, crank and cam sensors would throw a code, and they are not usually temperature sensitive when they puke.
A coolant sensor may be bad, telling the computer that the engine is warmer that it is.
Ignitions usually go out when hot, but it is possible.
This sounds like fuel - lack of it. Fuel filter, pump, and injectors are possible.


Thanks for clearing that up, it's been a long day.

I replaced the fuel filter about 1,000 miles ago so I suppose that leaves the pump, injectors and regulator.

Try cycling the key a few times, not just leaving it on prior to starting.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Thanks for the responses. I have tried the trick of leaving the ignition in the on position for a while before cranking, but unfortunately that hasn't helped.

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Smelling gas would not indicate lean, but rich.
You have it backwards.
Normally, crank and cam sensors would throw a code, and they are not usually temperature sensitive when they puke.
A coolant sensor may be bad, telling the computer that the engine is warmer that it is.
Ignitions usually go out when hot, but it is possible.
This sounds like fuel - lack of it. Fuel filter, pump, and injectors are possible.


Thanks for clearing that up, it's been a long day.

I replaced the fuel filter about 1,000 miles ago so I suppose that leaves the pump, injectors and regulator.

Try cycling the key a few times, not just leaving it on prior to starting.


I agree with this. With my car it's the other way around, when cold it starts almost instantly, it cranks longer when it's hot, to warm.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Originally Posted By: sayjac
Please let us know what you find out! So few ever follow up with the resolution.

And yes the camshaft position sensor, and the crank position (angle) sensor normally throw a code when faulty. But, at least in the Altima, sometimes they don't.


No problem, will do.

Might take a while though.

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Try cycling the key a few times, not just leaving it on prior to starting.


Actually did this 3 times. I turn the key to the on position and leave it on until the pump shuts off, then repeat another two times but crank on the third. So I don't think the pressure is bleeding down. Will need to try and get a fuel pressure gauge to confirm however.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Quick update on the issue - two days ago, I decided to clean my MAF sensor which was never cleaned by the previous owner. Disconnected the battery for 15 minutes afterwards, and the problem went away. No idea what the connection is, when I was looking at unrelated parts, but the problem's solved.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Quick update on the issue - two days ago, I decided to clean my MAF sensor which was never cleaned by the previous owner. Disconnected the battery for 15 minutes afterwards, and the problem went away. No idea what the connection is, when I was looking at unrelated parts, but the problem's solved.

That worked out alot better then expected.

 

[jorton]

Good job! Your starter and battery thank you.