01 Chevy Malibu Fuel Issue?

[fishersofmen]

I have an 01 Chevy Malibu (3.1 V6,130,000mi) that is very slow to start sometimes. The fuel pump was replaced 6 months ago. Around half the time or more when I go to start the car it will turn over for 15-20 seconds before it will start. Sometimes it will start and then die and will have to start it again, and other times it will start right away. Other than this issue the car runs just fine. I am thinking it may be the pressure regulator or possibly got a bad fuel pump? Took the vacuum hose off the top the the pressure regulator and there is no signs of gas in vacuum hose. Thanks for any help.

[BoxMN]

I have a 98 malibu, and had the exact same thing. Guys here helped me.

Two things were the item, I am not sure exactly which is the "only" fix.

1. Fuel PRessure regulator. Not hard to do, but not being a mechanic, my neighbor helped me as I thought I was going to have to take more apart than we had to. Then we went and did his 3.4L right after and it was a breeze.

2. there is a plastic piece on the PCV hose that was cracked. Losing vacuum. I only needed the plastic part, but it comes with the hose attached for like $12. It goes along the driver side of the top near the injector rail (?). Can't recall the name of it, but Oriely had the part for cheap, and after doing that (after the fuel pressure reg.) I have not had a problem since, in about a year or so.

good luck. I even did the intake manifold gasket, again with help from the folks here, and it wasn't that bad. But glad I had my neighbor as I would have been lost doing it alone... haha! Been running great, now I just need to put my struts on, have them in garage, but didn't tackle it yet.

[jeffreyd]

box, are they struts or shocks? if they are struts be careful because the spring holds the shock in place and if you dont have the clamp to compress the spring it is a missile that will will come apart. I wont do struts, even our city shop farms them out, too great of risk. thought i would share. jeff

[BoxMN]

Thanks Jeff, yep they are struts, but I got the complete set struts - with springs already on them. Just unbolt old ones, bolt on new ones, I am told. A buddy had a press, but I got the complete sets pretty cheap, so that works for me... Then alignment after putting them on.

Airjer, you asked me what brand, and I can't recall now, but they are NOT the brand you said were bad. They prob aren't really great ones but not that bad brand, I rememeber that. Thanks!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Did it do it before the pump was replaced?

If the regulator is not leaking through the nipple than it is probably not the problem which leaves the fuel pump or possible a leaking injector.

Do you remember where you purchased the fuel pump and possible what brand. Hopefully not an airtex!

[fishersofmen]

Not to sure if it did it before the pump was replaced had only had the car for a week before the pump went out. Was fine up until a few weeks ago since the pump replacement. Couple days ago it almost wouldn't start at all took a long time to turn over and now yesterday and today it fires right up. Lol. Not sure the brand of fuel pump my wifes sisters friend who owns a small car dealership replaced it for us. (Not to sure about the work these guys do, when we went to get the car the gas line was leaking all over and had to be brought back!) If it was the fuel pump again wouldn't it just go out like it did previously or can they mess with you for several weeks?

I pulled out the pcv valve this morning and it is very black on the bottom and wet, not sure if that means anything?

[Jeremy airjer W]

The fuel pump has a check valve that will allow it to hold fuel pressure for quite some time. Your best bet is to get a gauge on it and see what fuel pressure does when the engine is shut off.

Fuel pressure bleed off usually will not have any symptoms on a cold vehicle and will be more prevalent after a hot soak (drive the vehicle until the engine is fully warmed up, shut off for 15 minutes while your at Target trying to decide what scent air freshener to get, and then try to start it.

Two things will cause the extended crank. One the fuel pressure bleeds off in the fuel rail that is right on top of a hot engine. No or low fuel pressure and the fuel boils and turns into vapor. Fuel injectors work with liquid fuel not vapor. As you crank the engine over it takes the fuel pump a little time to build pressure and push the vapor out of the rail. The car may or may not run rough when it finally starts.

and/or

If the regulator is leaking then you have the loss of fuel pressure but you also have raw unmetered fuel entering the intake. This will most of the time cause the engine to run rough for a little bit after it is started.