Hard Start

1998 Express conversion van 350ci fuel injected. Replaced plugs Cap and rotor. Must crank for what seems like an eternity before it fires. Runs great after it starts. Has a new fuel pump and filter. Symptom started shortly after fuel pump replaced.Noticed that fuel gauge is ossilating when cranking or driving. The cap and rotor were bad had corrision but did not solve problem. Did notice that after replacement of cap and rotor did get a backfire in intake twice none since. Woried that I will eventualy burn starter out from having to crank it for so long. Has central secuentual fuel injection. Any suggestions?

Check your basic timing on the ignition.

How do I do that simlar to old style do I use a timming light?

Did you ever figure out what was wrong with your van? My van is doing the exact same thing. It can take anywhere from 1-30 minutes to get it started. The colder it is, the worse it gets. Runs like a top once it's started. The fuel gauge needle vibrates, etc.....Someone said I might need to replace the fuel injector system for $1000+ but I don't want to spend the $ when they aren't 100% sure that's the problem.

Did you ever figure out what was wrong with your van? My van is doing the exact same thing. It can take anywhere from 1-30 minutes to get it started. The colder it is, the worse it gets. Runs like a top once it's started. The fuel gauge needle vibrates, etc.....Someone said I might need to replace the fuel injector system for $1000+ but I don't want to spend the $ when they aren't 100% sure that's the problem.

Welcome to AF.
Always check the date on a post before posting back to it if it is old leave it old do not post back to.

With a problem on you own van start a New thread/post.
The New post button is upper right of forum.


On a hard start cold problem always run fuel pressure test and post back pressure in you New thread.
And some one will help you.
Good luck

I have a 2000 Express that has been hard to start for a few years. Cranks probably 3-4 times longer than it should, once it fires, It runs perfect & usually will refire right away when warm, but when it sits more than 4-6 hours, same thing happens. Its been tuned up several times over the years & this has been going on for at least 35,000 miles. Just went through the 3rd starter this past summer thanks to all the excessive cranking. No codes ever.

Did anyone else here find a resolution to their problem?

__________________________________________________ _______________________

Yes, I know this is an old post, but adding to it, should trigger a message to those memebers posting above & help draw some conclusions now & for future people using the search option? I noticed many members are told not to add to old posts, but whats the point of them even being there if they can't be used for collective information?

This post is ABOUT 5 YEARS OLD.
Let old sleeping or dead dogs sleep and lie in piece.
Start a new thread/post on your problem and some one will help you.

You should then get rid of the "search" feature. It would serve no purpose correct?

Search feature is for looking at old post with same problem.

Forum rules say not to answer old post.

Review the forurm rules.

You should then get rid of the "search" feature. It would serve no purpose correct?

I have nothing to do with running the operation.

Just trying to steer you in the right direction.
That is up to mods. and administrator.
Here is a link to forum rules.
Take a look and read them and you will see.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=623321

1998 Express conversion van 350ci fuel injected. Replaced plugs Cap and rotor. Must crank for what seems like an eternity before it fires. Runs great after it starts. Has a new fuel pump and filter. Symptom started shortly after fuel pump replaced.Noticed that fuel gauge is ossilating when cranking or driving. The cap and rotor were bad had corrision but did not solve problem. Did notice that after replacement of cap and rotor did get a backfire in intake twice none since. Woried that I will eventualy burn starter out from having to crank it for so long. Has central secuentual fuel injection. Any suggestions?


My van just wouldn't start when the engine was cold. Once it was started using starting fluid it ran great for the rest of the day, including restarting throughout the day. The fuel pump relay has proved to be the problem. Swapped the starter relay with fuel pump relay and it started right up.