Hard, long crank start when cold, warm. m20b25

[nickmcc92]

I've been having this problem ever since I replaced my fuel filter and fuel pump gasket.
Before I touched it it would crank 2-3 times then start. Now it never starts first try after 15+ min. Any time longer than an hour it will start, then stumble like its going to die. Unless I gas it.
Been reading it could be fpr, constant pressure valve, leaking injectors, fuel pump.

Anybody with same problem w/ solution? Or troubleshooting tests?
I have only basic tools and no money to buy anything. $0

[e30construction]

make sure you didnt leave anything loose when installing the filter..there might be air seeping in from somewhere..i wld recomend double checking everything that u messed with..also did u disconnect the battery?

[nickmcc92]

Battery disconnected. I also put back the old filter and still have same problem.

[nickmcc92]

I've also replaced fuel pump relay

[nickmcc92]

I might try this external check valve kit
Part Number: 16-14-9-068-988
And come back with results

[dnguyen1963]

Hard starting, starts then dies, and rough idles are signs of vacuum leaks.

[e30construction]

well yes to vacuum leaks but since you disconnected the battery you may not have given the dme time to restore itself..when i disconnect my battery i have to drive it for a little while and when i push the clutch in and what not itll try to die untill it restores idle..best thing to do is drive it to an empty parking lot and rev it and then let it drop and try to fix itself..and do this a couple times and u should start noticing a difference and at some point itll fix itself

[nickmcc92]

Neither vacuum leak or ecu reboot.
I replaced it three months ago.

[dnguyen1963]

Go again...how did you take care of vacuum leaks?

[nickmcc92]

I put on the old fuel filter. Now my car starts up first try but still takes about 5 cranks to start.
I've changed my intake boot and my idle isn't rough.

[dnguyen1963]

There are many other places that contribute to intake leaks; thus, hard starting.

[nickmcc92]

I think I got it! I forgot I stripped 2 of my valve cover studs. Could this be the intake leak? My idle also flunctuates slightly in park but not on drive.

[e30construction]

yes that could def be it..a vacuum leak there would cause bad starting/rough idle..wld def recomend getting that fixed

[nickmcc92]

What other things cause a long start?

[dnguyen1963]

Beside vacuum leaks, a bad signal from CPS can cause a non-start. Get a smoke test done ASAP.