So, my 99 limited 3.4 V6 is hard to start, not incredibly hard but something has definately changed. Here is the history:

Got a check engine light and the truck was running VERY rough. Pulled the code to find one cylinder was misfiring. Did some research and first cleaned the MAF with carb/choke/tb cleaner which did not solve the problem. Next I pulled all the fuel injectors and by testing them I found one of them to be partially clogged. Had them rebuilt by a fuel specialty shop and I re-installed them. This fixed the engine code problem and the rough running. However, I was left with this new hard to start problem. When I start the truck, it will turn over really well and will eventually start if I just let it go but if I depress the accelerator pedal a bit it will "improve" the hard starting problem and reduce the number of cranks to start. The difference is, before this whole fiasco started I BARELY would turn the key and the truck would fire up without a problem. To try and solve this problem I re-worked some of the vacuum hoses, replaced the fuel pressure sensor, fuel filter, and tightened the throttle body cables. I also brought it back to the fuel specialty shop and had them look at it and what they told me is that when they put an in-line fuel pressure gauge at the motor, the fuel pressure would jump up but then immediately drop off and then build up again. (I didn't see this with my own eyes but they thought they had solved the problem because it improved slightly but still is not the way it should be).

The weird part is: I travel for work a bit and EVERY TIME I go out of town and leave the car at the airport for a couple days or more, the truck will start without a problem and just like it used to when I get back to it at the end of the week. ????

I have not noticed any other problems that could be associated with this. MPG is still good, acceleration is still good, etc.

Thanks in advance.

so what did you think was the culprit on why it was hard starting? fuel pump? lines?

2 year old thread man. Good luck on a reply

I would look at the charcoal or evap canister. I traps the fuel vapors instead of them going out into atmosphere. If It has a problem then it can cause a hard start. I know that people who squeeze in the most gas they can, sometimes have problems with the evap canister. Now, I am not saying that you over-filled your tank, just take a look.

Good luck,
Scott