Starting issues

I consulted someone else on it and they agree with Swiggles, by my description it doesn't sound like a fuel problem. He thinks the brushes on the starter motor are starting to go out or the solenoid on the starter is "choosing" when to start and not-start because it's starting to go. I think this make sense because even when the car DOES start up right away with no hesitation, it just sounds like a weak start - like 70%...feels like it could be stronger or better than it is or has been in years past.

why dont you check your fuel pressure? easier and free really with free tool rental. you need at least 43 psi for the car to run.

leaving the key to run for 3 seconds has nothing to do with the starter, if its chugging trying to fire up the starter is working.

and your tb is likely caked with carbon and needs to be cleaned.

Thanks Scotty I completely forgot about cleaning the tb! Yes I cleaned that too after reading someone else say that helped solve there starting problem. Mine was caked with carbon and used a can and a half of tb cleaner to get it clean. Start with this, it's the easiest, and grab a new tb gasket.

Yeah I probably do need to clean my TB again, it's been about 30-40k, since I pulled it off for a thorough cleaning. Put a new starter on last night, which was tricky to say the least. Starts up great now, I can definitely tell the difference - just quicker and cleaner. I had a $20 speed perks to use + a 30% coupon available, so the new AdvA starter was only $96 w/ tax after core return.

Thanks for the help guys

well lets hope thats a permanent fix. starters do go bad but for the most part its the solenoid that stops working.

truth be told, we got about the easiest starter to change, its all there asking to be removed. most cars its stuffed up under a exhaust manifold and next to a frame. makes getting the wires off it a pita.

Taking the starter off is easy, getting it back up can be the fun part lol.

just had mine in my hands 2 weeks ago. easy peazy.

Everything is easy for you Scotty lol

being i never put my inspection cover back on since the engine swap, it was a few 10 mm bolts less to get it off this last time.