V8 difficult to start after refueling, why?

[bradingville]

For the last 3-4 refuels it has been difficult to restart the car. All the electricals seem to be working and no warning lights--just takes several very embarrassing cranks over several minutes to get it going. Once going, no further problems while driving or on subsequent start-ups. Could this be a bad O2 sensor or something else? I have seen on old posts recommendations about fuel brands, I use mainly Amoco or BP premium. Any suggestions regarding my problem would be appreciated.

Brad '02 Esprit

[ErnestM]

Try not filling it up completely. I have been told by other V8 owners that this sometimes will help. I've never had the problem myself...

ErnestM

[GreenV8S]

Is it possible this is a fuel evaporation problem? This can happen in winter as well as summer, especially this time of year if your filling station changes to a more volatile mix during a mild spell.

[kmaier]

You shouldn't be experiencing a fuel evaporative problem as the 2002 model also has a vapor area at the top of each fuel tank which was implemented a few years ago for emissions. The heat from the engine may cause some vapor lock but with the high fuel pressure it shouldn't create major starting issues.... and as you said, once it starts it runs fine.

As you car is fairly new, I would not expect things like spark plugs and/or cambelts needing attention yet (how many miles on the car?).

Which sorta narrows it down to fuel. As the problem just recently started to happen it may be that the fuel mix has changed with winter moving in. I have found that Chevron Supreme runs about the best in the V8. It may be worth a try to see if the problem goes away or is lessened.

Ernest brought up an interesting thought... but you can simulate this.... drive home, park the car, open the gas cap, let it sit for 10 minutes, replace the cap and try starting it. I doubt the car will know you didn't put any gas in ;-)

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[joeyo]

I have a 2001 V8 which I purchased three months ago from the dealer (leftover model). And I only use Chevron Super at the same gas station.

I have noticed the same problem, that after fueling the car, sometimes the car starts hard. You have to crank the car over at least twice as long before it starts. I though I was over fueling the car but it does the same thing if I only fill the car 1/2 full.

Also I have noticed "sometime" not all the time; if the car sits for more than 2 minutes (fueling time) but no longer than 10 minutes (estimated) after being driven (engine is at operating temp) the cars starts harder (crank the car over at least twice as long before it starts).

I have also noticed that if I let the car idle for about 10 to 15 sec. before turning off the car; the car starts quicker or normal (as if cold); even after refueling.

Sometime it is embarrassing, happened at the Ford dealership while I was picking up my wife’s car. Car sat for about 5 minutes and when I tried to start the car (with people around); I had to crank it for more than the normal time… but the car always starts and it runes fine.

It usually only happens when you restart the car after 2 to 3 minutes... But sometimes the car starts fine after 2/3 minutes. After 10 minutes or cold the car always starts great.

JoeyO
2001 V8


>> Edited by joeyo on Monday 10th November 15:43

[Sulley]

I have seen a similar thing with the GTOs/3000GT .... we tend to use turbo timers which keep the engine running after the ignition has been turned off ... this is to keep the oil flowing and cool the turbos, otherwise the clog with oil. Maybe the problem is related in some way. If you leave the car running for 30s after arrival at the petrol station... see if you then have the problem!

Maybe... just maybe that'll help!

Cheers
Andre

[johnh74]

I have had a similar experience. I live in London, UK. During this summer only on really Hot days when the engine temp was above 90, if I stopped Lottie would not start until she had cooled for around 15 mins, this mostly happened after refueling, but not always. Now it is winter the problem has vanished. I look forward to next summer for the dry roads, but not for the “Damm, I stopped my car now she won’t start for 15 mins”

[vws]

Hi guys,
I had the same thing with my 96V8 but not with the 2002.
It was not only after refueling, but always on hot days (by chance i live in Belgium so the hot days...)

John.