afternoon folks !
1995 Camaro Z-28, 350V-8 /auto tranny, 144k miles, 20k miles on plugs/wires, 5k on air filter/oil change. running "mid-grade" gas. bought the car at 95k miles - no problems. weather around here is now hovering in the 70s-80s.up until a week ago, i would simply turn the key and she would start up almost immediately. it was rare i had to use the gas.
now, about 300 miles later, as i turn the key, the engine cranks and cranks an cranks. as is normal reaction, i pump the throttle. it takes probably 30+ seconds of cranking before i get any sort of response (i.e. engine wants to finally fire up).
oddly, when there is a glimmer that the engine wants to start, i lay off on the gas and let go of the key. the engine fires/turns "slowly" (ie - coughing), as if it's firing on 5 or 6 cylinders. and as if by magic, the engine roars up to normal idling as it did all along.
once the engine has been running for a couple of minutes, i put her in gear and move on down the street. at a stop sign, she runs a bit rough, as if missing a cylinder, but once moving, say normal cruising at 35 on local roads, or 70 on highway, she runs "normal".
once warmed up, starting the car isnt instantaneous, but not a real issue ... the 'hard starting' is mostly after sitting overnight.
although i havent started troubleshooting yet, i plan to:
- check all plugs/wires (ohms) and check wires to sensors for proper connection. check relays
- change fuel filter and clean air filter.
- check fuel pressure.
- check sensors for proper reading.
i'm thinking along the lines of a fuel-related problem, but i could be off on that. the only other obvious issue would be ignition related: coil, wires, or distributor cap/rotor (not sure if the rotor/cap has ever been changed).
is there anything i'm missing? anything special i should concentrate my efforts on? from the description of the problem, is it fairly obvious where the problem lies?
thanks for any feedback you may have! michael