Everytime when I goto to start my car when I haven't ran it in a while, it takes a while to start. But if you turn it off, and start it back up again....it starts up right away. Could this be my battery? I think the battery is from October 2000, could be 1999, somewhere around there. Spark Plugs and Wires were changed not too long ago. The reason I think it might be the battery is because I have an alarm that is always on when I am not in the car of course, and when first trying to start it up, it takes a while...like maybe not enough power to start it up quickly. But when you turn it off and start it back up again, it had time to recharge the battery so it starts up quickly than before. Am I correct in saying this, or is it something else? Thinking of getting an Optima Red Top from Summit Racing, which is $84 with 750 Cold-Cranking Amps. Is that a good deal or are there better deals out there?

Thanks,
TOC Admin
Brando

P.S. Where is everyone, it's like no one posts anymore...

does it crank slower when it's cold or does it just crank longer?

If it cranks slower... make sure the battery terminals are clean and the connections are tight, but if the battery is 4 years old then it could be loosing some power.

If it cranks the same speed, but takes longer to start... you might have a clogged fuel injector or something?

I've had good luck with Die-Hard batteries.

I've had BAD luck with Interstate batteries.

just my $.02

Do you have a modified intake?

That could cause problems when cold... It really doesnt sound like power troubles... My delta will vary in cranking length from time to time, but usually starts good... I would try what 73delta said... Clean your injectors. Buy like 2 bottles of the stuff and mix when you get gas. If thats it, it might start perking up 1/2 way through your tank.

Fouled injectors can also cause heavy pinging under acceleration (my car had terribly clogged injectors when I bought it), do you notice that at all?

No, no modified intake.
I plan on upgrading my battery and upgrading main wiring to 1 Gauge.
But I'll try the Fuel Injector cleaner sometime and see if it starts up faster after a while.

TOC Admin
Brando

Brando...are you ready for me to write my book now? ok..heres the deal...whats happening with your car is that the check valve in the fuel pump is bleeding off pressure over a period of time, thats why when you DO get it started and then shut it off to restart, its still holding pressure in the system, and starts easily. However, if you let the car sit for a period of time, the check valve doesnt hold to keep the fuel pressure up, therefore it bleeds off fuel pressure and when you try to start it, you have to wait for the fuel system to get enough pressure built up again to start the car.

FIX: new fuel pump, strainer, and fuel filter

Now aren't you glad i'm back??

oh, and i'm still here...just waiting for SOMEONE to post SOMETHING...lol

Alright, I'll have to look into that.
How much would all that cost?
Glad to see you back!

TOC Admin
Brando