5fSE Cranks 3-4 times before starting...

[SmokinJoe1979]

I have a 1997 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder which turns over 3-4 times before it starts. Once I drive it for a little bit it will start right up when I turn the key. I am hoping someone can tell me what I can do to get it to start right up like it use to before I changed the plugs and timing belt. Once it starts the car runs good.

Recent maintenance that I performed:
Changed spark plugs
Changed spark plug wires
Replaced valve cover gasket
Replaced Timing belt and the water pump
18 month old battery

[Mike Gerber]

Is the check engine light on? Have you checked for any codes? If there is no check engine light and you checked and there are no codes, I would check the engine coolant temperature sensor for being out of range. It may not be giving the ecu the rights reading when the engine is cold. You will need a digital volt/ohmeter and the specs from any manual to do this.

Mike

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

I would check the engine coolant temperature sensor for being out of range

What he said. More specifically, it sounds like the coolant sensor is reading a bit too low, making the ECM think the engine is warmed up more than it really is -- this causes the fuel charge to be too lean on startup. If the sensor is open or shorted, the ECM defaults to considering the engine to be warmed up (but this would also cause an immediate "check engine" light).

There's an off chance that something strange is happening with the fuel lines, too (perhaps air getting in when it's been sitting for a while). Not the first thing I'd suspect, 'tho.

[bigbird]

when was the last time you did any mantainance to the fuel systems?

[SmokinJoe1979]

Some answers to the questions:

The check engine light is NOT on. And I have not checked for any codes. I can do that this weekend.

I have not done any maintenance on the fuel system been about 3 years since it was serviced by the dealership. I am planning on replacing the fuel filter this weekend.

I will look at the haynes manual to get the specs on the engine coolant temperature sensor and check it.

Is there anything else I should consider? I appreciate all of the help.

[500KCamry]

Originally Posted by hill8570

What he said. More specifically, it sounds like the coolant sensor is reading a bit too low, making the ECM think the engine is warmed up more than it really is -- this causes the fuel charge to be too lean on startup. If the sensor is open or shorted, the ECM defaults to considering the engine to be warmed up (but this would also cause an immediate "check engine" light).

What they said ... it fits with the symptoms.

Originally Posted by hill8570

There's an off chance that something strange is happening with the fuel lines, too (perhaps air getting in when it's been sitting for a while). Not the first thing I'd suspect, 'tho.

What he said, if the fuel doesn't hold in the fuel rail, it will take a bit of cranking to replenish it and the needed fuel pressure for injection.

Either scenario - its a fuel problem.

[super32]

Originally Posted by SmokinJoe1979

Some answers to the questions:

The check engine light is NOT on. And I have not checked for any codes. I can do that this weekend.

I have not done any maintenance on the fuel system been about 3 years since it was serviced by the dealership. I am planning on replacing the fuel filter this weekend.

I will look at the haynes manual to get the specs on the engine coolant temperature sensor and check it.

Is there anything else I should consider? I appreciate all of the help.

Hey, SmokinJoe... did you ever resolve your issue? My '97 is starting to have similar problems like yours, but my CEL is on. I'd rather R&R the coolant temp sensor myself rather than sending it into the shop to do it. I don't have a scan-tool... so I'm at a bit of a loss there.

thanks!