i have a 91 si hatch with a built ls/vtec swap. recently when i try to turn it on it will not start. starter turns, i have spark, but no fuel pressure. i can hear the fuel pump prime (btw replaced main relay) but no pressure builds up. then after much heart ache and gnashing of teeth, it will just start up like every things fine. my theory is that maybe some junk is clogged in there? what do ya'll think? i replaced fuel filter about 1000 miles ago (before the problem) fuel injectors have been cleaned. i don't know but i got to figure this out, I'll be in a parking lot for an hour trying to get it to start!

 

make sure plugs and wires are good!! Me and my buddy just had same problem.

 

I have the same problem. Very embarresing, especially at a gas station after you just filled up and you sit there for a good minute or two cranking and cranking until it finally starts.

 

yeah it is embarresing! i replaced plugs about a week ago and wires are good. any one know how to fix the problem? fuel pressure sits on 0 then eventually it builds to 40 and it starts. i don't think it is the pump, because it works after it starts and i know that it is priming. is there a filter in the pump that could be clogged? if so do need to replace it or just clean it?

 

Theres not a filter in the pump but there is a fuel filter. It may be clogged but I doubt thats a problem. It could be a fuel pressure regulator because that regulates how much fuel is getting pumped.

 

i would take the fuel line off from the fuel rail or at least loosten it next time it wont start... if you are getting fuel to there then that narows it down to injectors. if it isnt to there then its A) A Clogged Fuel Line B) Fuel Filter C) Pinched Fuel Line D) Any # Of The Above

 

this happens everyday? its goes to 0 everytime you shut the engine off?

 

no it doesn't happen everyday. it will go a day or 2 and be fine and then it will do it 2 or three times in a row. no rhyme or reason. it will hold fuel pressure for a while after i cut it off and then die down, but thats normal. i have just noticed that when this happens it is though i haven't primed the pump. thats why i think it is a clog.
thanks for the suggestions guys, i am going to have to wait for it to happen again to narrow it down, but i'll keep you updated.