winter-spring-fall i have to crank 3 revolutions, key off, then it starts easy. on hot summer days it starts easily without doing so. been like that 10 years.

I realize there are like 7 sensors than can effect "prolonged crank" and i can pull each and bench test against (values i must find separately).

I'm wondering if anyone knows of "a COMMON PROBLEM", so that i don't have to do 7 bench tests

WHAT I'VE DONE: cheap obdii monitor says all temp sensors are within range. i think i already changed coolant temp sensor (done so many i can't remember which car got it when). New fuel pump was req'ed 2 yr ago but didn't help any. head/intake gasket was req'ed 7 yr ago: idles very nice. tune-up done very recently. starter battery replace recently (again, were not related to this problem).

internet: google gives me like 983,982 hits all which say the same old drool. "you need a fuel pump". all of it in-applicable. (i can't find any discussion on hard starting)

 

((bumping to top, to be seen, since answering other Questions got me bumped me down))

 

Fuel doesn't vaporize particularly well in colder temperatures. Are you confident in the cleanliness of your injectors? They may be squirting more of a stream than a mist, which could potentially explain this.
Are you using the recommended oil for your climate? Thicker oil can hamper cold starts, but I'd be less inclined to suspect this based on your description.

I'm assuming no CEL? How about codes, regardless? I've heard stories of people finding codes stored but there being no CEL to indicate an issue.

 

Next time it's cold try key on & off 4-5 times before trying to start, then see if it fires up quickly - if so you may need to address a fuel b ack flow valve probably part of the fuel pump. Report back when it gets cold again!!

 

Year, Make, Model, Engine, Mileage, DTCs present.

 

Hello; Similar to my first thoughts. If the fuel pressure regulator valve is leaking a bit or if one or more of the injectors are leaking it can take a bit for the needed fuel rail pressure to build up, especially overnight. Would be less during warm weather due to heat helping some.

If it is an injector there may be a little stumble for a bit after start up until the cylinder clears. I would try some injector cleaner.

If my wild guess is correct and it is the fuel rail pressure relief valve then the valve needs to be replaced. Just a guess to be sure.

 

Problem was same before and after i did head gasket (which included all new injectors). Yes sure on the oil. No codes and as I said OBDII says all sensors seem in range. Really looking for someone who knows about a common problem specific to this model not so much general tips.

 

I replaced fuel pressure unit when I did the headgasket: no change. I replace fuel sending unit just a few years back: no change. Thought I said that in OP.

 

Doubtful you know the answer if you asked that, since my "name" is 2001 Chevy Silverado and: it says no OBDII codes in the original post.

 

thank you i replaced that, all injectors, and fuel sender when i did a headgasket a few years back: no change.