I have a 2000 camaro base model. When you first turn the inigtion on in the morning you can hear that first initial fuel shot and then crank it over. Mine you hear a little thud noise but it does start. As the day goes on it gets harder to start. I have to crank it a couple of time or just hold the igintion until it does start. Seems like the fuel is not staying pressurized. I had the injectors cleaned and I replaced the fuel filter. Did not fix the problem. Any suggestions??

Thanks
Jake

My friends 1997 SS basically did the same thing but ended up not starting at all. Ended up being the fuel pump. (Only 60K miles). I'm not sure on a 2000 but he cut a access hole in the rear trunk area and was able to replace the pump from inside the car. Was really not that bad if your careful. The thread on how to do it is on this site. I would probably get a fuel pressure meter and throw it on the rail and see what it reads 1st.

Sounds like a pump to me as well. They get worse when they are hot. Those pumps are a pain in the but if you don't have a lift.

I just took a pressure reading of the pump. Should be 48 to 55. Actual reading under 44

Maybe take a reading after driving the car awhile. See if it gets worse. Then you'll know for sure.

Reading after running it awhile was still around 44 psi

Well I'd hate to say thats your problem. I would expect to see less pressure but I don't really know where the cutoff is for the car to run right. Hopefully someone will confirm this for you.

44 lbs is plenty of fuel... sounds like it is intermittant loss of fuel pressure. So keep the gauge on the car and check it when it is hard to start...

Gary 9t4z,

If I had a intermittant loss of fuel, what could be the cause? Thanks Jake

Anyone with any ideas, please let me know. When I changed the pump the fuel pressure stayed the same at 44 to 45 psi.

Injector power relay(s)?
PCM power relay?

All ground connections? As wire connections get warmer, they present a higher resistance to current flow, thus less voltage to the circuit being powered.

Just a thought.

Gary 9t4z,

If I had a intermittant loss of fuel, what could be the cause? Thanks Jake


so you replaced your fuel pump since your original post?

Intermittant loss of fuel pressure... bad connection at the relay which is located under the car above the axle. Check all connections... that is assuming that fuel pressure is your problem. You have to drive around with a fuel press. guage hooked up and see if it drops off. Usually fuel pumps will just work or quit... not usually half bad... all bad. Thats why you hear of people hammering on the gas tank with a hammer... jars a fuel pump back to life for a few more days or weeks. The problem is not low pressure... 44# is enough.