Posted by dmw 85 Euro S on 12/18/2007, 5:18 am, in reply to "Hard Starting Issues with 1986.5 Shark"
63.109.6.145
Like Jim said, we need much more information such as whether the engine spins slowly when cranking and whether or not the battery has a full charge, etc.
If the starter turns the engine quickly but it takes several seconds for it to start, then you likely have a bad fuel check valve that is allowing the fuel pressure to drop when the engine isn't running. Normally, there will be pressure at the fuel injectors even before you put the key in the ignition. With a bad check valve, it takes additional time for the fuel pressure to build up.
However, if the starter is cranking the engine slowly with a fully charged battery, then you should suspect the starter. When starters go bad, they either don't crank at all or they gradually decrease the speed at which they can spin the engine.
Unless your alternator light is on or the battery is dead after sitting overnight, I doubt that the problem is the alternator.
David
