Hard to start when engine is hot

1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
141,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ADAMM12
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi, I got this car and two years ago and when I bought it it would be hard to start when engine is hot. I would go to a store come back out and it would just crank and crank until I gave it some gas then it would start up. The engine went six months ago and our mechanic put a used engine in it and replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, and crank position sensor. The car still does it and we can not figure it out.

If you could get back to me with help I would appreciate it.
Jul 25, 2017 at 2:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Hello,

When the mechanic replaced the pump did he take out the vibration damper? This parts sits between the pump and the tank. Oval shaped part that caused the problem you are talking about.

Here is a guide that can also help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken



Jul 26, 2017 at 11:31 AM
Avatar
ADAMM12
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
He said that damper your talking about is the o ring that seals the fuel pump to the tank.
Jul 26, 2017 at 1:03 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
No, its in-line with the fuel pump and sender. I may not have it but if it does they created big problems.
Jul 28, 2017 at 10:26 AM
Avatar
ADAMM12
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
What else word you think it would be if it's not the damper bc it has the pump fuel filter and only does it when engine is hot? Thank-you for getting back to me.
Jul 28, 2017 at 1:02 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I think the temperature sensor for the computer could be off causing the hard starting problem.

Here is a guide that will show you what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 29, 2017 at 10:59 AM
Avatar
ADAMM12
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok I'll have to buy one and install it. I'll let you know if it worked or not.
Jul 29, 2017 at 1:06 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:24 PM
Avatar
ADAMM12
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Put that new engine temp sensor in and I'm still getting the same problem so I also put in a new crank sensor too and didn't solve the problem. Any advice on what to try next?
Jul 31, 2017 at 1:43 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Hello,

I just though of a problem that this can be caused by a vacuum leak. Here is a test to follow to see if it could be the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 2, 2017 at 10:27 AM
Avatar
ADAMM12
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
We smoked the evap system dismoring and there's no vacuum leaks
Aug 3, 2017 at 7:05 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
It sounds like you have a computer problem. I would try plugging in a used unit to see if that helps.
Aug 3, 2017 at 10:28 AM