car cranks too long before it turns over

[ExpiredDrummer 10+ year member]

i just acquired an 88 merc topaz with 38xxx grandma miles on it. it runs and drives flawlessly. only problem i have is when i try to start it. it will crank real good, but i have to let it crank for probably about 5 or 6 seconds before it turns over. starter is fine, fuel pump is fine, spark is good, brand new coil pack.

anyone have any other ideas?

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[audioatg 10+ year member]

What kindof fuel pressure do you have. And no dont just disconnect the line turn the key on and see how far it shoots fuel. Get a gauge and check it. Might not have enough fuel pressure.

 

[lol_j00_mad 10+ year member]

that old of a car has either a carb or throttle body injection..either way get somone to turn the car over and see if the throttle body starts spraying immediately and if its a carb see if the choke is working

 

[Bullet03 10+ year member]

try running a higher rated fuel. u might have somethin gunkd up in the fuel line.. also as stated fuel pressure. have u checked the fuel filter?

 

[andrewmoore13 10+ year member]

could be a little water in the gas?

same thing happened to me yesterday when i got outta work. went to start the car as normal and wouldn't go. had to stomp the gas pedal to get it running and it ran like shit for about 1/4 of a mile. then it smoothed out.

i was away for a week so it sat for a bit. was probably mad at me for going away lol

 

[audioatg 10+ year member]

Even an old car like that has to have some kindof fuel pressure. Might be only 4-5psi. But if you dont have any pressure its not going to run. How do you know the fuel pump is fine. Or even how do you know any of the things you said are fine. What kindof testing did you do.

 

[Ignatowski 5,000+ posts]

fuel pump prolly.........just cause yo hear the pump does not mean its holding pressure...

try this test..... get in the car after its been sitting a while,turn the key on and off 2-3 times and then start it,if it fires right up like normal than its defiantly your pump

 

[audioatg 10+ year member]

fuel pump prolly.........just cause yo hear the pump does not mean its holding pressure...
try this test..... get in the car after its been sitting a while,turn the key on and off 2-3 times and then start it,if it fires right up like normal than its defiantly your pump

Not sure that test will work with a mechanical fuel pump. Thats driven off the engine turning. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[Jason19 10+ year member]

replace the crankshaft sensor

 

[Johnny Law.Lulz 5,000+ posts]

If its injected get some fuel system cleaner and all that. Also check your timing

 

[audioatg 10+ year member]

Guy has not been on since 7/22/09

Wounder if he remembers he has this thread.