It used to start on first crank. Then it was always on the second crank. Now it is on the third crank that it fires up. What should I check? I am thinking it is going to get worse and worse until NO start. Seems like it is just not getting gas into the cylinders until the fourth crank. This only happens when enngine is cold. WHen still hot it starts first time.
Problems like this are often related to the fuel system not holding pressure when the car sits for a long time. A mechanic can easily diagnosis this by hooking up a fuel pressure gauge and letting the car set overnight. If the pressure is low or zero in the morning, you know their is a problem in the fuel system. The loss of pressure can be caused by a leaky fuel injector, a leaky check valve, or a leak somewhere in the fuel line from the tank to the engine.
A simple test that may give you a clue if this is the problem follows:
Before starting the car, switch the ignition switch from off to run (but not start) four or five times before actually trying to start the car. Pause for a two count each time you are in the run position before switching the car back to off. This will cause the fuel pump to run briefly each time you switch to run and possibly build up the fuel system pressure. If the car starts quickly when you actually try to start the car, it is likely there is a fuel system problem allowing the pressure to leak down over a long period.
Ed
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