LT1 Problem Starting

Richard Grant · 02-20-2013, 09:14 PM

One of the reasons that I am considering switching to the LS1 is a problem I have with the LT1. When I try to start the car, it will not start until the third try. Every time you have to grind the engine, stop, grind the engine, stop and on the third try it starts and runs fine. You guys got any suggestions about what could cause this?

Ed Wright · 02-20-2013, 09:47 PM

Is it a street car? Stock Eliminator car? Or SS car?

Richard Grant · 02-20-2013, 10:00 PM

It's a street car. Ed, I know that you are very knowledgeable about LT1's. Hopefully you or someone on the form can help me find the problem. My race car is a '69 Camaro small block. It's much easier to find a problem with it. I have fought these problems with computer cars before and they can be weird.

Mark Ruset · 02-20-2013, 11:05 PM

Install a fuel pressure gauge. With the engine running record fuel pressure, now turn off engine with key off and watch fuel pressure, it should hold at the same point. If not you may have a check valve in pump that is allowing fuel pressure to not stay charged in lines. It probably will require the fuel pump to be replaced.

joelster · 02-21-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Ruset

Install a fuel pressure gauge. With the engine running record fuel pressure, now turn off engine with key off and watch fuel pressure, it should hold at the same point. If not you may have a check valve in pump that is allowing fuel pressure to not stay charged in lines. It probably will require the fuel pump to be replaced.

x2

There is a small schrader valve on the driverside fuel rail. It should go over 40lbs when you first turn the key to ignition. You should also be able to hear the fuel pump when you first turn the key on. It will prime for 3 seconds, and make a humming sound.

countrypuppy4865 · 02-21-2013, 09:17 AM

X3 sounds like its slow getting its fuel prime. Try this before a first crank, open the throttle body and pour a little bit gas in the intake. If it cranks up first try this tells you it's a fuel delivery problem (fuel filter or pump more than likely.)

Richard Grant · 02-21-2013, 11:18 AM

I knew you guys would have some good suggestions, thanks. I will change the fuel pump and go from there. The car has 120,000 miles and would need a new pump soon anyway.

Ed Wright · 02-21-2013, 01:16 PM

Street cars, including Vortec trucks, sometimes split the rubber isolator hose that connects the pump to the steel line inside the tank. Try how I have to start my race car (no check valve) is turn the key on a second before you hit the starter. If I forget to do that (I'm old) it cranks longer than normal because fuel pressure has to come up.

02-20-2013, 09:14 PM	#1
Richard Grant Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West Monroe, La. Posts: 301 Likes: 9 Liked 13 Times in 7 Posts	LT1 Problem Starting One of the reasons that I am considering switching to the LS1 is a problem I have with the LT1. When I try to start the car, it will not start until the third try. Every time you have to grind the engine, stop, grind the engine, stop and on the third try it starts and runs fine. You guys got any suggestions about what could cause this? __________________ Richard Grant 4988 STK

02-20-2013, 09:47 PM	#2
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: LT1 Problem Starting Is it a street car? Stock Eliminator car? Or SS car? __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

02-20-2013, 10:00 PM	#3
Richard Grant Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West Monroe, La. Posts: 301 Likes: 9 Liked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Re: LT1 Problem Starting It's a street car. Ed, I know that you are very knowledgeable about LT1's. Hopefully you or someone on the form can help me find the problem. My race car is a '69 Camaro small block. It's much easier to find a problem with it. I have fought these problems with computer cars before and they can be weird. __________________ Richard Grant 4988 STK

02-20-2013, 11:05 PM	#4
Mark Ruset Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 263 Likes: 35 Liked 43 Times in 29 Posts	Re: LT1 Problem Starting Install a fuel pressure gauge. With the engine running record fuel pressure, now turn off engine with key off and watch fuel pressure, it should hold at the same point. If not you may have a check valve in pump that is allowing fuel pressure to not stay charged in lines. It probably will require the fuel pump to be replaced. __________________ Mark Ruset 2048 STK

02-21-2013, 09:17 AM	#6
countrypuppy4865 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Donaldsonville, LA Posts: 977 Likes: 17 Liked 227 Times in 69 Posts	Re: LT1 Problem Starting X3 sounds like its slow getting its fuel prime. Try this before a first crank, open the throttle body and pour a little bit gas in the intake. If it cranks up first try this tells you it's a fuel delivery problem (fuel filter or pump more than likely.) __________________ Jimmy "Cooter" Hidalgo, Jr. 4865 E/SA '04 GTO 4865 SS/GA '99 Firebird

02-21-2013, 11:18 AM	#7
Richard Grant Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West Monroe, La. Posts: 301 Likes: 9 Liked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Re: LT1 Problem Starting I knew you guys would have some good suggestions, thanks. I will change the fuel pump and go from there. The car has 120,000 miles and would need a new pump soon anyway. __________________ Richard Grant 4988 STK

02-21-2013, 01:16 PM	#8
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: LT1 Problem Starting Street cars, including Vortec trucks, sometimes split the rubber isolator hose that connects the pump to the steel line inside the tank. Try how I have to start my race car (no check valve) is turn the key on a second before you hit the starter. If I forget to do that (I'm old) it cranks longer than normal because fuel pressure has to come up. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA