First off i'd like to say HI as this is my first post i have done a lot of reading and joined the other day but now need a little help.
I have a 2003 se that over the last six months has been getting harder to start by that i mean it cranks most the time about 8 to 10 seconds before it starts not all the the time but most of the time its pretty consitant. i read a few threads on what it might be so heres what i did so far. Replaced the fuel filter, air filter,and cam position sensor. I just checked the fuel pressure with a gauge and when i just turn the key on and don't sart it it jumps up to about 56 psi but then drops off immediataly down to nothing with in a matter of seconds.If i leave the gauge hooked up and run the engine it reads 48psi and does the same as far as dropping off as soon as i turn the engine off.From what i have read on here it seems like it should hold pressure. so my question is should it hold pressure when the key and engine are turned off. And if it dosent could this be my problem with hard starting and what do i need to do to repair the problem
Thanks Haney

First off :Welcome

You may have an injector thats leaking really bad.

or it could be your fuel pressure regulator

<-----vacuum line end. Does this end look wet inside?


see the part on it that a vacuum line would go on? when these go bad the vacuum line will get fuel in it causing the motor to start very very hard.

Do a quick check on this first. All you have to do is pull off the vacuum line and see if there is any wetness. It should be bone dry.
If there is than you should replace the regularor.

ACDELCO Part # 2173294 {#19236423} Your Fuel Pressure Regulator Here!

Does the motor run rough?

I was looking for the pressure regulator earlier and the only part that looks half way like the one you posted and has a vacuum line goining to it is right on the fuel rail i pulled the hose and didnt see anything wet but did smell gas .
Haney

Thats it. Its sounds good.

I'm getting ready to replace the regulator but hate to keep swaping parts until i find the problem it gets a little costly.if this isn't the problem what other area would i look at/ you said a leaky injector.Is it possible to take the injectors out and physically clean these i can do just about anything mechanicaly.
Also how long should the fuel system hold pressure aftre the key is turned Off
Thanks Haney

I'm not to sure where to look after this point.

Try sending a PM to Billboost or Danthurs on this one.

Billboost37

Danthurs

I'll keep an eye on this thread and contribute when I can.

Ok thanks

Have you gotten this problem taken care of? Just tryin to help.

Thanks
Eric

When i got home today i removed the regulator just for the heck of it and cleaned it with carb cleaner and put it back in and guess what it starts. I'm going to go ahead and put a new one on. One thing I thought was strange is the difference in price between parts from store to store they range from $103 to $46.00
Thanks for all the help
Haney

As a personal opinion, i would really go oem with my fuel stuff. i dont like risking having to do the repair twice of having other problems come up due to a skimpy part i got from joe shmoe store. Just my opinion.