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1997 V6 Starting issue

  • Thread starter Thread starter leanzik04
  • Start date Start date Mar 20, 2026
L

leanzik04

New Member
Mar 20, 2026
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Houston
Mar 20, 2026
#1
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • #1
Hey everyone, I’m having a starting issue. It starts on the first try if I prime the fuel pump 2-3 times with the key, sometimes it doesn’t until the third crank. It starts better when it has more gas in the tank which immediately makes me think it’s a fuel pump/filter/lines issue. The old owner of the car has repeatedly claimed that he has replaced the fuel pump/filter on it and blew air pressure through the lines because it was sitting for 8 years. He says he believes it’s a anti-theft/key issue ever since he sold it to me. So I’m asking for a list of things I should check off a list to see what the issue is, I’m pretty new to working on cars and any advice would be great. I want to get it to where it starts on the first crank and no sputtering issues on start since I daily it and drive it everywhere. TIA.
 

Noobz347

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#2
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • #2
leanzik04 said:
Hey everyone, I’m having a starting issue. It starts on the first try if I prime the fuel pump 2-3 times with the key, sometimes it doesn’t until the third crank. It starts better when it has more gas in the tank
Click to expand...

These are classic symptoms of a bad fuel pump.

Also: Pull the vacuum line off of the fuel pressure regulator and see if it smells like gas.
 
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leanzik04

New Member
Mar 20, 2026
2
0
1
Houston
Mar 20, 2026
#3
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • #3
Noobz347 said:
These are classic symptoms of a bad fuel pump.

Also: Pull the vacuum line off of the fuel pressure regulator and see if it smells like gas.
Click to expand...
I might just watch a few YT videos and try to replace it myself
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,933
21,110
234
Box behind Walmart
Mar 20, 2026
#4
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • #4
leanzik04 said:
I might just watch a few YT videos and try to replace it myself
Click to expand...

It's not tough. Drain the tank first, before you put it up on jack stands.

Impact ratchets, extensions, sockets...
 
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