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1997 GTP intermittent starting issues

G

GTP1997

New member
Hi folks-
97 GTP with ~100k on it. In the past two or three weeks, the car has not wanted to start up on the first try. It cranks for a few seconds then fires, but more often than not will not hit a stable idle and stalls within a few seconds. I can get it to run if I give it just a little throttle up to about 2k RPM the first time it fires, which seems to let it settle into a stable idle. Once it's running there are no issues. It runs and drives just like it always has and I haven't noticed any change in the sound or feel of the engine. No CEL. One weird thing, though: this starting problem doesn't happen if the car has been sitting for more than a day or less than an hour. In other words, if I just run into a store quick it will jump right to life on the first crank, but if I park at night and try to leave for work in the morning it does what I've described. If it sits for more than a day it also just fires right up. Anybody have any thoughts on this?
 


Pull the vacuum line off the Fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail, if its wet and fuel comes out, that is your problem.

Its sounds FPR related to me.
 
Hit the nail on the head, sir. Vacuum line is full of fuel. Thanks very much.

Next question: How involved is an FPR replacement? I have a good deal of technical ability, but very limited automotive experience. Barring a driveway fix, how much is a reasonable rate for a shop to ask?
 
Got a pair of snap ring pliers?

Relieve the fuel pressure at the rail, then take the snap ring pliers and take the ring out and pull the FPR out and replace with a new one.
 
I do have snap ring pliers, and it seems like a project I can handle pretty easily. One final question, though: there are two ACDelco part numbers for new regulators - 2171422 and 2173294. The only apparent difference between them is the price, because according to RockAuto and Amazon Automotive they both work for this car. Does it matter which one I get?
 
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