roadmaster 96 long/hard start issue

My daughter's 96 roadmaster wagon has developed an issue when she goes to start it. Turn the key and the starter cranks like it is supposed too for about 5-10 sec and nothing. Lets off on the key and tries again and on the second try 7 out of 10 times the car will fire right up as if nothing was wrong with it. Sometimes it goes to three times and again fires right up like nothing is wrong. the car runs and drives like it should except for this issue. Here is what I have done to try and find/fix this problem. Checked fuel pressure and it checked out ok and in the range 45 PSI. replaced the fuel filter, ignition module on cylinder head, looked for kinks in fuel line. I am looking for some help here I have the car at home for two months then she needs to take it back to school 1200 miles away. So I would like this problem fixed before she goes back. The mechanics in here town told her to drive it and not worry about it but I know its not right. So any help please would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dan

Dan, exact same thing happened on my 96.  Ignition switch on the column was the culprit. Contacts had worn enough that sometimes it had no power to the coil while cranking.  Replaced the switch and now it's "BAM", doesn't seem to make one engine revolution before it fires off.

atlantadan wrote:

- Have you scanned it, and if so - any codes?
- What is the vacuum reading at the manifold?
- How old are the ignition components?
- Have you checked for teaks at the manifold?

No codes , vacuum reading is @ 19hg , ignition components are approx. 30K , no leaks in the intake.

hillbilly will check to see if coil is getting power. Thanks Dan

Fuel pressure regulator on the back of the intake manifold. Common issue. Did mine last year. Part is around $100 at most parts stores, less on Rock Auto.

Not terribly hard to replace, just awkward. I'm 99.9% sure this is your problem. Good Luck!

-Mike

Thanks Mike read your post on the other forum.

81X11 wrote:

Fuel pressure regulator on the back of the intake manifold.   Common issue.   Did mine last year.   Part is around $100 at most parts stores, less on Rock Auto.

Not terribly hard to replace, just awkward.   I'm 99.9% sure this is your problem.   Good Luck!

-Mike

It can also be the fuel pump allowing fuel to drain back. Unfortunately more of a pain than the FPR.

Thanks just for the record The pump , filter, strainer, and regulator are going to all be replaced. All the parts are either real old (over 240K miles) or just questionable quality. I have done all the testing and everything is at the very low end of the range or under. So now I am just waiting for FED X to make it Christmas here!

Just taking a moment to tell everyone that my Daughter's 96 roadmaster wagon is running awesome again!! Here is the scoop: 1st off there where multiple issues going on in the fuel system. The first thing that was noted was that the "O" ring that seats on the top of the fuel pump in the hangar assembly was totally damaged and distorted. (the pump was replaced in New Mexico because the new cheap one failed) So the new AC Delco pump and "O" ring fixed that issue. Second one of the fuel filter nipples was damaged a very slightly leaking (not enough to see just smell) replaced and fixed. Third the regulator had a bad diaphragm and that too was leaking from the "O" ring on the regulator to the fuel rail. Replaced and fixed that too. I am surprised the car made the 1200 mile trip from New Mexico to Mchenry ,IL (Chicago area) with out a fire or breakdown. After a test drive the car feels like it has more power starts WAY easier (just pop the key) and no more gas smell inside the car. I will feel much better now when she takes this thing home after the summer. Thanks Everyone for all your help and suggestions.