Starting problem

[Ford Man]

My 1988 Escort 1.9L TBI is hard to start first thing in the morning unless I operate the starter, cut the key off and let it activate the fuel pump for a second time. I am thinking maybe the fuel pump is about to go out. I have run fuel injector cleaner though it with no benefit in the starting. It runs fine once it starts. I know it is in the fuel system because after the fuel pump is activated the second time it starts right up. Any one have any other ideas?

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

Is it oiling the plugs from getting too much through the rings?

Edit: Oh if you haven't changed the fuel filter in years it might be an issue also.

[theholycow]

Your fuel system lacks pressure. Either it isn't maintaining pressure overnight (slow leak), the pump is slow until it warms up, or (if equipped) the automatic pre-pressurizer system (my VW runs the fuel pump when you open the driver's door) isn't running right.

Have you tried NOT turning it straight to "Start"? Turn it to "On", listen for the fuel pump or just wait a few seconds, then crank it.

My truck used to do the same thing, along with P0440 and P0446 codes, but now it doesn't anymore and I don't know why. It now has P0440 and P0453 codes and starts instantly...

[Ford Man]

[QUOTE=RoadWarrior;103372]Is it oiling the plugs from getting too much through the rings?

Edit: Oh if you haven't changed the fuel filter in years it might be an issue also.[/QUOTE

I had the plugs out this morning checking compression on all cylinders. There was no oil on them and looked good. It could be the fuel filter.

[Ford Man]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Your fuel system lacks pressure. Either it isn't maintaining pressure overnight (slow leak), the pump is slow until it warms up, or (if equipped) the automatic pre-pressurizer system (my VW runs the fuel pump when you open the driver's door) isn't running right.

Have you tried NOT turning it straight to "Start"? Turn it to "On", listen for the fuel pump or just wait a few seconds, then crank it.

My truck used to do the same thing, along with P0440 and P0446 codes, but now it doesn't anymore and I don't know why. It now has P0440 and P0453 codes and starts instantly...

I always turn to the on position and listen for the fuel pump before trying to start, but it still takes two times of activating it. It is OBD1 and has no codes pertaining to the fuel system.

[VetteOwner]

its OBD 1 its not that smart, ive noticed you have to have some major issues for that thign to throw a code lol...

but change the fuel filter, if its clogged its just like a clogged air filter, makes whatevers tryign to push something thru it (especially fluid) hard to do, hence low pressure.