1997 Mark VIII starts up roughly

Patrick

Patrick

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I just bought a 1997 Mark VIII a few weeks ago, and I've noticed a recurring problem for the last week or so: it's typically very difficult to start up. If it's been sitting for more than three or four hours, I have to turn the key, let it crank for 1.5-2 seconds, stop, let the electronics cut on, then turn the key again and it'll typically start up in 0.5-1 second(s).

It doesn't seem like a fuel pump issue or anything, because if it is, wouldn't the car be wanting to cut off on me while I'm driving? (it doesn't-- once it's on, it's good). Also, if the car has been off for only an hour or so (or less), it'll start right up, no problems (after the typically 0.5-1 seconds of cranking it). I've also run through about two tanks of gas with STP fuel injector cleaner added in-- no difference, except for better gas mileage.

(also, side note: car squeaks like mad when turning-- lube job, or something more?)
 
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I agree, I'd check the plugs and the coil boots while you're there first.

The noise when turning could be bad lower ball joints ready to fail. I'd check all the front suspension parts for wear, while you're at it. You don't want a ball joint to fail while you're driving, it can cause an accident and/or wreck your car.
 
About the noise-- I had it in the shop yesterday to get an alignment done, and the mechanic commented on the noise, saying that it's the upper control arms. His exact words about the seriousness of the matter was that right now, it's at the point where it's more of an annoyance than anything else.

As far as I know, the plugs are still stock. Any recommendations on what kind I should replace them with?
 
Another item to consider is also replacing your fuel filter. As far as upper control arms go do a search and you will find info to do job yourself. I'd put it on a list of things to get done.
 
If you return to your car after 3 hours and it will not start normally, try this....

Turn the key to the "ON" position 3 times and than try starting it. What this does is "prime" the fuel system. If this doesn't help, than we can move into another direction, but the majority of the time a car has starting issues like this, its fuel related.

If this does help, than you need to start looking at the fuel pressure regulator, or the fuel pump. Basically the pump has a pressure valve inside it that holds the fuel pressure, and after awhile it gets weak and you get issues like yours. However, it will not affect the cars driving, it merely makes it harder to start.
 
Thanks, all, for your help. :)

J: I'll be going out again in probably about 3 or 4 hours-- I'll be sure to give that a try and report back when I'm home. (good to see you still hang around here, too :))
 
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