Long time to start

[War97gtp]

My 97 gtp with 50k miles is taking longer to start then it used to. It used to just start at the tap of the key now it takes like 5 seconds of cranking to start it. I read that its common for the throttle body to carbon up on the 3800 and that cleaning it usually solves it, However I also read the throttle body cleaner will eat away the coating on the supercharger rotors. What should I do?
Is removing the throttle body a difficult job? Can it possibly be the fuel pressure regulator? I already changed the fuel filter.
I also have a minor oil leak that I haven't been able to track down (changed both vc gaskets)
While reading through the forums I read that the coolant elbows can leak oil? I thought they can only leak coolant. How exactly can they leak oil? Ill have to check mine...

 

[Burbman]

Take the TB off to clean it so you dont get any cleaner inside the SC.

Sounds like you have a fuel leak. The fuel system stays pressurized after shut diwn, so when you turn the key the system has pressure and fires right up. When the system doesn't hold pressure after shutdown, you need more crank time while the pump rebuilds pressure in the system.

You can gauge how much its leaking by idle time. In other words if it fires right ip after sitting for an hour but not overnight the leak is small. On the other hand if it takes extended cranking after sitting 10 mins then its dumping pressure right away.

Since the oump is in the fuel tank, theeak can be anywhere from the tank forward. Since you just changed the filter, start there. Run the car and inspect for leaks immediately upon shutdown.

Other common leak areas are where the fuel and retyrm ines connect to the fuel rail, the O rings in those connectors go bad.

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[markpa]

Sounds like a fuel pressure regulator going bad


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[War97gtp]

I forgot to mention I changed the fuel filter about a year ago and this just started happening so its not leaking from there. I was looking at the fuel pressure regulator and it seems like you cant change it out, looks like its "molded" into the fuel lines and is not removable. It is next to the front of the supercharger near the snout right? I tried to remove the idle air control valve to clean that out at least (don't want to remove the whole throttle body unless I have to) I got one of the screws off and the other one started to loosen up and then the screw driver slipped and the screw heads got stripped and I couldn't loosen it any further. So I had no choice but to screw it back in. Is there anyway I can remove that stripped screw now?
I used just a few short bursts of mass air sensor cleaner into the throttle body while working the throttle by hand to keep the engine running to try to clean it out a bit and it seems to be a little better Ill eventually have to take the throttle body off to clean it probably though.
Also I was also wondering is it possible for oil to leak from the coolant elbows?

 

[FordMan77]

Use a dremel tool to cut a new slot into the head of the TPS screw, then use a good screwdriver to back it out. When I go to remove these, I usually loosen them up to get them turning then when they get tight I screw them back in and repeat until it comes right out. Usually works out any junk in the tiny threads.

 

[bobc455]

In addition to the dirty throttle body, consider that you might have dirty injectors.

Unless you have a fuel leak of epic proportions, that won't cause a starting issue. However other fuel delivery issues (low pressure due to regulator, clogged injectors, etc.) might cause you a hard time starting.

 

[War97gtp]

hmm ok any recommendations to a good fuel injector cleaner and how can I change out the regulator.

 

[Slick2500]

hmm ok any recommendations to a good fuel injector cleaner and how can I change out the regulator.

Seafoam
The regulator is held into the fuel rail by a snap ring. The regulator is the thing with the barb sticking up out of it btw. Look in there and you will see the snap ring.