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Cranking too long before starting

Tiny
GERTIKOCIAJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
Hi 2CarPros. My problem is as follows: every morning when I try to start the car, it takes either a long crank or 2 cranks to turn on the engine. After turning it on, the engine seems to be working fine(maybe there might be unusual noises but I cant tell the difference) Later during the day if I turn it off for a short period of time (20-40 minutes) and turn it back on, it starts just fine, whereas if I leave it for a couple hours, the problem persists! This problem started showing when cold began or maybe that was a coincidence and it seems to be getting worse day after day. Battery is good and fuel filter was replaced a month ago. I think there must be a problem with the fuel system or the fuel pump itself. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 11:56 AM

21 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Yes, I would check the actual fuel pressure when it will not start and see what the actual pressure is at the rail.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Roy
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the help. Out of nowhere look what sound my engine did this afternoon. Any idea what could it be?
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Thursday, December 5th, 2019 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
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Something broke in the engine. You need to replace the engine.

Roy
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Thursday, December 5th, 2019 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
This problem was soo unexcpected! You think there is no way around?
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Thursday, December 5th, 2019 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
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Nope. Something broke internally.

Roy
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Thursday, December 5th, 2019 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
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The noise faded away when I revved it up while an expert was checking it and he said that it wasn't a big problem. He said it might be sth to do with the internal chain on the engine. He said it can be repaired if the noise starts again and there is no need to replace the engine! As of now, it is working normally so we will see.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
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Okay, be prepared when it lets you down on the road. That noise is terminal and will require replacing.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:27 PM
Tiny
GERTIKOCIAJ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
You mean replacing the engine or the chain and bearings inside?
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
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The engine itself. The bearings will be beyond replacing as the crankshaft will be damaged. It would not be worth rebuilding. I would just replace it with a good used low mileage engine.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
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I mean, you might be right, but how is it that the noise is normal now? How is this possible?
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
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That noise is not normal at all. Do you mean it is still there?

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
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That's what I am saying that the knocking noise isn't present anymore. The engine sounds normal. I am really confused as what to do!
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
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Okay, got it.

I would not drive far and keep an eye on it. I think you got bad advice from your guy.

It will come back again the only question is when. That kind of noise does not fix itself at all.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 12:55 PM
Tiny
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That's what he said to monitor it while at home or when driving for short distances. If the sound comes back he said to go immediately to the service and not turn it on. He explained sth to do with the oil nozzle that gives tension to the chain inside that it might have been clogged and as I revved it up, the oil pressure rose and the nozzle got unclogged(sth like this as I don't have a good understanding on the insides). He said this is a possibility not the exact cause (this maybe explains the fact that the noise is normal now).
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 1:05 PM
Tiny
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Okay, good luck. I hope it works out for you.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 1:06 PM
Tiny
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Thanks buddy.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
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Do you want me to update you how it goes? Also, excuse my bad English as I am Albanian, not an native English speaker! Cheers!
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
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Sure, keep me updated when you can.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
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A bit late, but the problem turned out to be a loose washer under the engine! The guy fixed it within 10 minutes and the engine has worked like a charm since!
As of the cranking too long to start problem, you were right, the cause was a leak at the diesel pump. The guy replaced the gaskets at the diesel pump and it starts instantly ever since. As of now everything is working fine.
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Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 AT 12:08 PM

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