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Jun 22, 2011 | 04:50 PM

jordjet13

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Hard to Start

Hey Guys,
I have a '98 Trans Am with an LS3 that I recently bought from a friend. The car cranks fine and appears to be getting fuel but sometimes takes four or more cranking sessions before it will start. Once the car is started it runs great and doesn't appear to have any issues. Any suggestions? Someone suggested that maybe the Cam sensor was going bad. Does that sound possible? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jun 22, 2011 | 05:25 PM

dontbl1nk

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From: Tulsa, OK

maybe the fuel pump? Get your fuel pressure tested.

Jun 22, 2011 | 07:40 PM

71novaguy

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fuel pressure regulator?

Jun 23, 2011 | 09:32 AM

wssix99

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Probably either spark or fuel but I'd look at spark first.

How old is the battery and how old are the spark plugs? (In the heat of summer, your battery may be struggling or could be low on fluid - if its unsealed.)

Jun 24, 2011 | 07:20 PM

jordjet13

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Thanks, Ill check the fuel pressure. I just replaced the battery and that doens't seem to have changed anything. I believe the plugs are new as well. Im thinking the problem has something to do with spark or something that regulates when the engine sparks. Does anyone know about Cam Sensors?

Jun 24, 2011 | 08:13 PM

poltergeist 02

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fuel filter or pump? maf, iac, tps, map sensors? any codes? need more info. does it seem down on power?

Jun 25, 2011 | 12:46 PM

jordjet13

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There car isn't pulling any codes, and isn't down on power at all. I have checked the MAF sensor and it seems to be working fine.

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Jun 26, 2011 | 12:22 PM

jordjet13

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Ill check the plugs and make sure they are good. The engine only has approximently 10,000 miles on it, so I wouldn't think there would be much carbon build-up.

Jun 26, 2011 | 06:49 PM

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myk

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From: Sun Diego

LS3 T/A, cool...

Jun 26, 2011 | 10:15 PM

#11

wssix99

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jordjet13

Ill check the plugs and make sure they are good. The engine only has approximently 10,000 miles on it, so I wouldn't think there would be much carbon build-up.

Hmmm. What kind of life did it have before the engine came to you? Was it a crate engine or salvage?

Jun 28, 2011 | 03:58 PM

#12

jordjet13

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I believe it was a crate engine originally. The previous owner drove it hard occasionally, but always took very good care of the car. I checked the plugs today and they seem to all be fine.