95 C4 Hard starting Issue
 

Car only has 20,000 miles. Takes me three or four times to get it to kick over. Keep in mind the car is 100% original. Oil changes every 3,000 miles only maintenance performed. Tune up? New Plugs? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Could be crap in the gas from sitting? Have you flushed the fuel and replaced the filter? Is it every time you go to start it? Or was that just the first time you went to start in a long period?

I've got one of these: https://www.walmart.com/ip/OTC-Tools...SABEgLsufD_BwE

If you had one you could bypass the tank and feed fuel from this and you would know if it is a fuel problem. At the same time you can give your injectors a cleaning, if you used the injector cleaner that is intended to be used with it.

I would perform a tune up. You'll probably need all new bushings. Rubber bushings don't like to sit, they dry out.

I bought the car 18 months ago it only had 8,000 miles. Had no issues until recently. I drive the car every day and only use premium fuel. So its not old fuel in the tank.

Thanks

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? Maybe, your pump has weakened and not providing quite enough pressure any more. Is it every time you start or is it better after you've driven a bit?

If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge, try turning the key to run (without starting) hold for a few seconds. This will get the fuel pump to prime and pressurize the lines. Do that a few times before attempting to start and see if that makes any difference.

It has to do with you air, fuel or spark... Your air filter isn't soaked or completely nasty, right?

I do not have a fuel pressure gauge. I checked the air filter and it was fine. The hard start issue does not improve after the car warms up. I did take you advice and turned the key on for around 5 seconds before cranking and it did seam to help.

Sounding like your fuel pump. I'm not sure if advance or autozone rents a fuel pressure tester. Might want to give them a call to ask. Its super easy to use. There is a port near the back of your intake manifold (see picture) that you connect the pressure tester too. Then turn the key to run just like you did. The fuel gauge should read between 48-55, assuming you have a P vin code. There is a button on the side of the tester to release the pressure and fuel. have a cup handy to catch the small bit gas. If your pressure is low, I would consider replacing the fuel pump.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...75734ed909.jpg

I am going to pick up a fuel pressure gauge today and start there. I can't thank you enough for your helpful advice and insight.

No problem. Keep us informed on what you find out.

I just came across this video that might help you too.
Just a note. He is cranking to test the fuel pressure. If you intend on cranking then you need to pull your ignition fuse to prevent to motor from starting.

I will usually get a old clunker to rebuild every 2 years or so.
( I prefer 68-72 Oldsmobile's, similar rules apply to C4 corvette too).

I always assume the gas is bad and the tank is full of crud.
First I replace the fuel filters (You can do this yourself on a C4, but you may need a few new tools).
Then for each of the next 4 Fill-ups, I add a bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner (aprox $5 per bottle, 1 bottle per tank, 4 tanks in a row).

Here is a link for a 94 vett getting some fuel filter tips.



Check list
#1 Fuel Pressure check
#2 Replace Fuel filter
#3 Use a fuel system cleaner for the next 4 tanks.

Note: On some of my older 40-50 year old cars, I found I would sometimes need to replace the fuel filter two or three times the first year and then only once a year after the tank crud stabilized.

Good luck. Now i need to add Replace Fuel filter to my To-do list.

Finally got gauge. When turned to the on position pressure reads 44psi. Stays like that for 2-3 seconds then drops to zero. With the car running at idle it measures 34psi. Checked the regulator. Had plenty of suction and no sign of any fuel anywhere.

Any thoughts?