Dear Jbody-ers,

I have a goofy problem thats currently kicking my ass.

I have a 1999 Cavalier with a 2.2, 3-spd auto trans. Completely stock.

New parts that have been installed:
New Delphi fuel pump
New fuel filter
New F/P regulator
New plugs & wires
New coolant temp sensor & IAT
New IAC motor
Rebuilt injectors

I'm experiencing a hard start/extending cranking after a 15min hot soak (i.e. shut the car off and let it sit for 15min). The engine will crank for about 5sec, it stinks like fuel, and then it will eventually catch, run rough for 1/2 a sec, and then run fine. If I shut the vehicle off again and restart it quickly, it will crank right over and start immediately. I am expeiencing no driveability problems whatsoever - no misfires, no power loss, etc.

To replicate this problem, the engine must have reached operating temperature and then have been shut-off for 15min or more. Cold starts are fine. The car can sit for das and it will start up just fine.

DIAGNOSTIC INFO:
No codes in computer or CEL's
Long-term fuel trims look normal
Injectors are NOT leaking
Readings from IAT and Coolant Temp Sensor, and IAC motor appear normal on scanner at startup
Cold starts are fine, i.e. pump appears to be holding pressure over long periods of time
Ignition module receives 12v throughout starting cycle
Scanner maintains connection with PCM during the hard-start, i.e. the PCM appears to be receiving power
Fuel pump is staying on and receiving 12v during startup

My next steps are to hook up my fuel pressure gauge and spark tester and then replicate the problem conditions. This will verifiy that I have the proper pressure and am actually getting spark.

If these check out ok, I'm stumped.

I swapped the A/C and fuel pump relays just to eliminate that as a possible problem. No change...

In my mind, if the crank/cam sensors were acting up due to heat, I'd be throwing a code and I'd be experiencing drivability issues throughout my day (missing, etc). Am I right?

I'd like to think that this has something to do with an intermittent no spark/weak spark condition, but I'm not 100% sure. I may take a hair dryer to the ICM and coils when they're cold to see if that triggers the problem.

Any other ideas? I'm all ears...

Thanks!

Oh, I forgot to add this:

I installed a new TPS just for good measure, and it's readings appear normal at startup, too...

Its the nature of the motor. Mine does it. Always has. Ive seamfoamed changing filters. Eveything.

I have seen other 2.2 cars do the same thing personally.

I have had the same problem for several years. It started after replacing a leaking injector. On mine, when I start it I depress the pedal and it starts great but obviously revs up. I thought that maybe the new injector was leaking so I installed a brand new Delphi injector and it does the same exact thing. I can install the old injector and it will start perfectly when hot. I also changed all the injector gaskets to no avail.

My thinking is that the new injector flows more gas during the startup pulse, which causes a slight flood. It makes sense since depressing the pedal would allow more air and lean out the mixture.

The car idles and runs perfect so I've decided it's not worth throwing more money at it.


2.2 97 Cavalier......the "Crapalier"

Bingo - if I hold the pedal to the floor, mine will start immediately, too.

I really need to attach my fuel pressure gauge to see what my pressure is at startup. Something isn't right, and I gotta figure this out or I might go insane...

I had the fuel pressure tested and it was fine. From what I've read, these cars only have pressure in the 30's and will run with really low pressure.

If I was still trying to fix it, my next step was buying 4 new matched injectors. You might give that a try.


2.2 97 Cavalier......the "Crapalier"