Takes a long time to crank .

Let a shade tree mechanic change the distributor and he didn't put it back on right took to Firestone and they put it back on right but it still takes a long time to crank? Changed the oil sensor unit, crank sensor ,camshaft sensor and still does the same thing.. Any idea on what the problem could be???

My car has 2070000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I would ensure you are getting strong spark with a spark tester (available for a few dollars). Depending on the version of the 4.3L you have, they are known for having problems with the fuel system.

For example, if you have a plastic intake manifold on the center of the engine, they are know for leaking fuel pressure regulators. Regardless, you need to check for fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge (also not very expensive). The connection port is on the rear driver side of the engine with a cap on a steel line. The pressure with key on, engine off should be at least 45-50 PSI and should not drop. If the pressure is not there or leaks down I would suspect a bad fuel pump or a bad fuel injection unit (if you have the plastic intake).

If the vehicle runs fine when started, I would suspect the fuel pump based upon experience. Also, have your battery tested.

If you need some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come diagnose your starting issue and make the necessary repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

When an engine cranks for a long time before it starts, either spark or fuel is missing or weak and each has its own reasons. Most of the time, the air / fuel mixture has been disturbed and there is too much air or not enough fuel.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet S10 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet S10 Blazer won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The primary culprits here are fouled spark plugs. Spark plug electrodes wear down over time, increasing the voltage needed to jump the gap in the plug and ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinder. That leads to longer cranking times before an engine fires up.
A slow cranking starter or no crank at all may be caused by a faulty ground that prevents full voltage to the starter motor.
Slow Cranking: For the starter to be cranking, the control circuit would have to be working. So, if battery and cable checks are within specification and the vehicle still cranks slowly, then it`s a slow cranking problem and it`s time to replace the starter.
The most common reason cars don`t start is a dead or faulty battery. Even though most cars run on gasoline, they all require electrical power to function. The starter that cranks your engine to start requires an electrical signal to fire. If something`s wrong with your battery, your car engine won`t turn over.
Your car should start almost immediately when you engage the starter. If it has to crank for more than 1 or 2 seconds you should have the engine diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to see why. It is hard on a starter to operate it more than a few seconds at a time.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have been having cold drinks every morning I cranked it up a few times and then I guess when it gets heated up it cranks but now
ANSWER : Hi there. Sometimes when it gets cold outside, the fuel system will loose pressure and cause a cold starting issue. Another cold weather issue is sometimes caused by a cold start injector. This part is located on the cold air intake, which is found on the intake manifold. It is a fuel injector that is controlled electronically. The cold start injector works only when the engine has a cold start, or when the engine’s temperature is below a certain point. When this happens, a computer tells the injector to inject more fuel into the mixture that goes through the cylinders to the engine. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection.

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Why does my brake warning light go on (for long period of time) and off (also for long period of time) while driving?
ANSWER : Hi there. The brake system Warning Light can illuminate for two reasons: First, the parking brake is currently engaged. Second, a component within the the brake system is malfunctioning. If the brake system Warning Light is illuminated, and the parking brake is released, then there is most likely an issue with the brake system, and the vehicle should be inspected as soon as possible. It’s probably a good idea to have a brake warning light inspection completed by a professional mobile mechanic so they can determine what’s causing these issues.

Read Full Q/A … : Takes a long time to crank .

its cranks slow, sometimes it cranks fine and other times i have to crank it twice, it happens randomly
ANSWER : A slow cranking condition is caused by not getting enough power to the starter. Since you replaced the starter then you may have a weak or borderline bad battery. One of your cables may be bad causing the slow crank condition.

If the battery is weak then you may get the problem one time and a sudden burst the next. If you battery is more than a couple years old I’d suggest having it load tested to see if it is bad or if is a cable problem.

Do not rule out the starter even if the problem was fixed for a while after the starter was replaced. I’d suggest getting your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose your starting issue and repair it as necessary. Good luck.

Read Full Q/A … : Takes a long time to crank .

On cold start it take long time until it cutch 90 degrees and all that time keep cold/high rpm about 1200
ANSWER : There are many causes of hard starting but illustrative ones are a faulty engine coolant temperature switch (sensor), worn spark plugs, inadequate fuel delivery or pressure (clogged fuel filter), and contaminated or old gasoline. When the engine is cold, high (e.g., 1,200 RPM) RPM is normal. The engine speed should gradually decrease as the engine warms. If it doesn’t there is typically a problem in the air induction system. To resolve the issue that you are writing in about, please request a hard start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : Takes a long time to crank .

Takes a long time to crank .
ANSWER : I would ensure you are getting strong spark with a spark tester (available for a few dollars). Depending on the version of the 4.3L you have, they are known for having problems with the fuel system.

For example, if you have a plastic intake manifold on the center of the engine, they are know for leaking fuel pressure regulators. Regardless, you need to check for fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge (also not very expensive). The connection port is on the rear driver side of the engine with a cap on a steel line. The pressure with key on, engine off should be at least 45-50 PSI and should not drop. If the pressure is not there or leaks down I would suspect a bad fuel pump or a bad fuel injection unit (if you have the plastic intake).

If the vehicle runs fine when started, I would suspect the fuel pump based upon experience. Also, have your battery tested.

If you need some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come diagnose your starting issue and make the necessary repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : Takes a long time to crank .

Problems starting my car. It cranks strong but for a long time – 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
ANSWER : Hi there. A malfunctioning mass air flow sensor may create the extended crank concern; however, a sticking idle air control valve can create the same concern. Cleaning of either components has been known to help with the situation. However, this is rarely a long term repair and is only temporary.

You could clean one at a time and see which one alleviates the extended crank and replace as necessary. Also, there may be a residual fuel pressure problem. Residual fuel pressure is the pressure that remains in the fuel lines and injectors to provide immediate start up fuel. If the check valve in the fuel system is bleeding off, this could definitely be the cause. However, since it is only 10% of the time, it may be difficult to verify.

I recommend having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, assist you with an idle speed inspection to determine if a mass air flow sensor replacement or idle air control valve replacement may be necessary.

Read Full Q/A … : Takes a long time to crank .

How long it take to replace the all 6 sparks plugs? How long it take to replace the starter on the 2006 Hyudina Azera Limited
ANSWER : Hi there. It really depends on who is completing the repairs and where it is being completed. If a mechanic in a shop is replacing spark plugs on your vehicle and the starter, it could be a project that lasts 4 to 8 hours. Our mobile mechanics can also replace spark plugs and replace a fuel pump for you at your location, which would make it easier on your schedule.

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Died,then wouldn’t crank for a few min then cranked and drive but cut out once in the way back home.
ANSWER : This may sound like a dumb question, but when was the last time you put gas in it? It may be possible that the fuel gauge sending unit is failing and giving you a false reading. It is also possible that you have an electrical concern. If you have the Check Engine Light on, it will indicate that there is a diagnostic trouble code stored. If so, have the vehicle scanned for the codes, and that may help identify the system or component that requires further testing. A certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose these trouble codes and determine the exact cause of your concern.

Read Full Q/A … : Takes a long time to crank .