Trouble starting once a day

Tiny
KRANGES
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Recently I have been having this problem where the car will not start in the morning unless I put the gas pedal all the way down and crank it a few times. After it has started once, it start up perfect for the rest of the day. It turns over when I turn the key but sometimes it does seem like it is struggling or quiet if that makes any sense. Once it does start I can smell the excess gas.

It has been very cold out lately and this problem only started after I was having some overheating trouble. The thermostat was replaced and the coolant drained. Could just be a coincidence that it only started after that. But it did only start happening since it has gotten colder out.

Anyone have an idea what this could be? It only happens in the morning when it is cold, once it has started once it is good for the rest of the day.

I do not think it is the battery because one day I sat there and cranked it time and time again. It turned over strong and sounded fine, just would not start. Then just before I gave up I put the gas pedal all the way down and sure enough it started up.
Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 5:43 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

The first thing I would check is to have the fuel pressure checked. It may be bleeding down overnight from a bad check valve in the pump.

Is there a check engine light?

Roy
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Saturday, January 6th, 2018 AT 4:37 AM
Tiny
KRANGES
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  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the information.

Check engine light is not on. Do you think this is an urgent thing that needs to be taken care of? It is not a very expensive car and I have been debating just buying a new one the next time something expensive needs to be fixed.
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Saturday, January 6th, 2018 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I understand but if you ignore this issue it may leave you stranded at some point. If you are okay with that then okay. I would want to at least know the failure in order to make this kind of decision.

Roy
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Saturday, January 6th, 2018 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
KRANGES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You are right of course. I will have it looked at and see if they can test the fuel pump. Thanks for your help!
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Saturday, January 6th, 2018 AT 1:02 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Roy
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Saturday, January 6th, 2018 AT 1:03 PM

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