How many cranks to start?

[rileydawgg]

Although I'm still a noob, and I've heard these cars take some extra cranks before the engine starts up, I feel like mine is too many. I put the key in, turn and sometimes it only takes a few cranks to start up, but more often that not, it takes like 6 or 7. I usually stop after about 4 or 5 if it hasn't started, then try again, then after about another 4 cranks, it starts up. Is this normal? Certainly these cars should start up right away, correct? Other than this, the car runs absolutely perfect.

I've done some searching, and I remind you I'm not a knowledgeable engine guy, but couldn't find any posts on this really. Any and all help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[TurboDave]

It veries from start to start. Sometimes if fire almost immediately. Other times may take a while.

Just depends on how close the crank and cam sensor are to syncing up while cranking.

 

[ChavoLC2]

Start

We have had two GNs and fortunately they usually started on the 1st or 2nd try. Had a problem where it was taking 4 to 5 trys and it was the fuseable links down by the starter. the engine would turn over intermittantly and sometimes you'd here a click then it would kick over sometimes nothing like the battery was dead.The insulation had pulled away or melted and they were exposed and were grounding out. Rewrapped with electrical tape each individual link and then put a protective sheath and zip tied it over the entire starter/fuseable link wire system...she starts fine

 

[GangsterMD]

You could have leaking injectors. I put up with that for years before I changed my injectors, and bango - it start right up everytime.

 

[PaCemkr86]

i had the same problem, turned out my mini starter i was using, was just not spinning the engine over fast enough..

installed a new mini starter from gbodyparts.com and problem went away

 

[MSDGN]

I just cured a hard start problem...took many cranks to start...it was either the coil pack...ign module or both causing the problem...replaced both and it fires up fine now...

 

[rileydawgg]

Thanks for all the suggestions...

1. Is there a way to tell if I have leaky injectors without replacing them?

2. I'm pretty sure the coil pack is good, it was just replaced. What/where is teh ign module?

 

[TA49-WE4]

What/where is teh ign module?

Its the black or silver box that is under the coil pack. It is bolted together with the coil pack.

 

[Gary Wells]

Mine was caused by the spark plug wires, replaced them, and it began starting right up.

 

[machinegun]

First, depending on the position of the engine on shutdown, it can take up to 720 degrees of crank rotation to set the cam sensor off that starts the fire and fuel sequence.

The injectors can be checked. Install a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail. Turn the ignition to the on position do not start. Read the fuel pressure. Turn the key off. Determin how long the fuel pressure stays close to the reading you wrote down. If it stays up for about 20 minutes or longer you usually have no fuel issues.

Find someone around you with a caspers Coil Pack tester to test your Coil Pack. A good set of wires and plugs is always a good idea.

If you need help find a local Buick guy, they are usually more than happy to help. If you are near me you are more than welcome to call me

 

[bmackinnon]

First, depending on the position of the engine on shutdown, it can take up to 720 degrees of crank rotation to set the cam sensor off that starts the fire and fuel sequence.

Not so on Turbo1dr's Malibu! He knows how to make 'er fire right off! Check out the 'fast start' system... (and the dual fuel, too! ) He's got video of a start on there.... it's cool....
78 Malibu Touring Coupe

 

[nos487]

Does anybody sale fast start as a kit?