Things that cause a VT to take a while / too long to start

[jazza15]

My series 2 VT takes a while to start. the engine must crank up some serious momentum before it starts on cold. When its at temp it is ok, but not right, once it starts to cool down again it takes a while.

This is a fairly open question with I'm sure many possible solutions, so I am throwing it out there for Just Commodores users to make a list of things that would cause my VT or any one else's to take a while to start.

For example, The Pressure Regulator:
It fails to work properly and I don't get enough petrol pressure in the injectors for my car to start properly. After a good trip I pull over, go an get a can of soft drink, drink that can of soft drink and go to start my car up again. All of the petrol in the injectors has evaporated (from engine heat and lack of pressure)and it takes a while to start.
Replacement of the pressure regulator would fix this problem.

I'm pretty sure that's not what is wrong with my car.

I read with interest that someone else experienced a similar problem and beefed up their cable between the alternator and the starter to fix the problem (was that it?).

So yeah, fire away...

[Ozzie]

do you still have the standard air intake installed or is it modded?


may also be your fuel pump not picking up as quick as it should?

[Holdens Rule]

Had the same problem with my calais, would take heaps of cranking in the morning to fire up but would restart pretty easy. Changed the fuel pump cause was told the fuel was going back into the tank instead of staying in the lines resulting in alot of cranking to fire up. I was also told a easy way to check this was to turn the car on to ignition and let the pump prime then turn it of and wait ten seconds and turn it back to ignition and let the pump prime again etc etc, I did this and it took about 5 shots of priming before it started up ok.
That was my problem and I don't know if it helps you.
Another thing is have you tried changing the oil pressure switch? Might not be it but who knows.

[benno145]

I have the same problem but cramks fine when cold, but once its hot and i go to start it somtimes takes a couple of cranks to start.
Found out that may starter motor was a bit tired. Somthing to do when they come straight from the factory they needed to use a spring washer on some part of it but only used a flat washer. (somthing like that ????.Its what the auto electrician said.) so for $250 its all fixed now.
Ben

[sportyclansman]

I had the same prob with my exec, replaced the fuel pump. when this did'nt fix the issue I then replaced the fuel pump relay after an auto sparky reckoned it would'nt be the problem. All fixed! This was at about the 180,000 klm point

[jazza15]

fuel pump could be it. It has been starting great on cold lately but crap after running, so it could be a pressure regulator problem. i will definetely have a go at what 'holdens rule' said.
As for my air intake/filter combination, they are standard and working fine I'm sure.
I will also try the fuel pump relay 'sportyclansman'.

Keep 'em coming guys, If they don't help me they could help someone else.

cheers