"jacktheboy" <jacktheboy@sprintmail.com> wrote in message
news:1179486449.935063.146280@p77g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> 1990 240 wagon with 200k
> Replaced AMM with correct unit, still get frequent hard starts.
> First start of the day can take two or three tries, with extended
> cranking times. Throughout the day, might start on first try like it
> always did, might not.
> I'm thinking maybe Crank Position Sensor. But this is not a "Hot"
> hard start problem.
> Car runs fine when running
>
>
Have you tried the test for leaky checkback valve (or anything else that
lets the fuel rail pressure bleed off)? Hit the starter for about half a
second and let the key drop back to the "run" position for 3-5 seconds, then
try starting. If it starts right up it indicates the fuel pressure has bled
off from the injector rail while the engine was sitting. The "bump" of the
starter runs the fuel pump about five seconds to restore pressure. You'd
think the engine would fire as soon as pressure was regained - just a few
seconds - but in practice ECUs start messing with the mixture by that time
and the engine won't catch. Stupid computers! Eventually it stumbles on the
right injection.

Alternatively, you can spray a few seconds worth of starting fluid into the
air filter and close up the air cleaner box before trying to start in the
morning. That will at least tell you if all you are missing is fuel.

Mike