Car wont start on first turn of key but starts the second time

[90_Si]

I did a search and did not come up with a whole lot that was applicable. The engine is a sohc zc. In the morning when I start it, it will not start the first time.. but on the second time I turn the key it starts perfectly.The main relay came to mind, but usually it is the opposite. The engine has a new timing belt, distributor cap/rotor, water pump, spark plugs, ignition wires.. basically anything that would ever wear out has been replaced. It has also had a can of seafoam ran through the fuel/vacuum/crank case. The distributor cap and rotor made the start much smoother and such in general terms, but did nothing as far as the issue at hand. It only happens in the mornings, so once it has been driven for the day it starts just fine. It seems the engine has to completely cool down for it to start the delayed start. I am at a loss for what it could be, any help or ideas would be appreciated.

[garageEF]

bump cause im having a similar problem.

[EFM_ookie]

can u hear the main relay click when it doenst start?

[90_Si]

No, everything sounds normal other than it wont actually start on the first turn of the key. The weird thing is is that on the first go round I can let it turn over 10 times or two times and it wont start, but in either case if I let the key off and then turn it the second time it starts right up completely normally. It does this on every single cold starts, but once it has been started, whether for just a second or driven all day it starts normally until the car sits overnight and then the problem arises again.

[garageEF]

try priming your fuel pump a few times before trying to start it.....just to see if it is a fuel pressure issue.

[90_Si]

How do I prime the fuel pump?

[garageEF]

Originally Posted by 90_Si

How do I prime the fuel pump?

just click the key to "on" a few times...you will notice the check engine light coming on, then turning off after a few seconds...that is your pump priming.

[90_Si]

just did it and after priming it it started normally. I am assuming it has sat long enough to have cooled to where the issue would arise.. I will do it again in the morning to make sure. That fits my assumption that it is something to do with the fuel system. As far as fixing it, is it going to be a matter of having to get a new fuel pump?

[garageEF]

definatley a fuel issue.....when you turn your car off...there is enough fuel in the system for it to start normally for an hour or so....im sorry but i have no idea where you would start to diagnose your problem...best of luck to you

[90_Si]

well at least I know specifically where to look for the problem now, thats a start.

[garageEF]

Originally Posted by 90_Si

well at least I know specifically where to look for the problem now, thats a start.

your welcome

[i_VTEC]

The same thing happens to my 88 CRX Si. The first start of the day, when i try and start the car it turns over and sounds fine, but it wont start. But as soon as i do it the second time it starts right up........

[garageEF]

Originally Posted by LS-VRex

The same thing happens to my 88 CRX Si. The first start of the day, when i try and start the car it turns over and sounds fine, but it wont start. But as soon as i do it the second time it starts right up........

well now you know what the problem is....

[sorwdfish]

its your ignition key starter. switch it out... every time my car sounds funny i take it in to the mechanics and have them diagnose my car for free. then they tell me the problem so i tell them ill come back when i get payed and never do so i know whats wrong with my car for free.