So for the last few weeks my car has struggled with starting in the morning and after work, basically when it is stone cold.

The engine fires and starts first go however the starter used to fire 2-3 times and the engine would fire up, now it seems to fire maybe 5-6 times then the engine starts, almost stalls/revs drop for about 2 seconds and then recovers and runs fine.

Will start fine every time afterwards until it is left overnight/all day at work.

Has been doing it for about 2 weeks now, last week it got new plugs, air filter, oil change and optima yellowtop battery (which is fully charged), needed to be done anyway but IMO rules out the battery which seems to be a common issue....

If it makes any difference I did drive thru water across a road that was about a 30-40cm deep and the problem seems to have happened since. I also seem to have a small noise coming from the pulley on the AC compressor that squeaks for about 5 seconds when I kick it over.....

Any ideas fellas???

Often this is caused by the fuel pump, the pressure valve is on its way out and is dropping pressure overnight and in extreme cases may allow the fuel in the line to work its way back into the tank being the lowest point. With these cars, the pump and filter are part of a single unit with the sender. Have done a few of these with similar symptoms and the pump fixed the issue

Dont however try and cheap out, use a genuine assy. Have done a couple where people have replaced the pump and left the filter as it was, silly move

how many k's has it done and have you checked it for error codes?

Thanks Mal.

Do you sell the whole assembly new? Rather you get paid than a dealer.

159k, no error codes.

it's a bit early in it's life to fail a fuel pump.

wondering if the injector seals etc are ok...

After leaving it overnight, turn key to "on" and wait 10 seconds, then start. What happens?

Not early at all, M4DDOG had his go after a lot less and so have many people, pick up some dirty fuel and there goes the filter, need a new filter, buy the whole unit as this is how it comes. You can get filter assy on its own but is a PITA to change and not much cheaper than the whole assy

Switched to ON this morning for what seemed like 10 seconds, started alot better, not perfect but 90% improvement.

There you go then. Not electrical. It's dropping fuel pressure overnight, as Mal suggested.

Fitted the new assembly today, will find out tomorrow how it all goes.

On a side note, the filter probably wasnt helping the matter...

http://i66.tinypic.com/k3svht.jpg

http://i67.tinypic.com/qot8ow.jpg

What's the verdict, gas head?

Problem Solvered!

Thanks to all :)

Could the squeal be because water got to the AC pulley? Coincidental with the water crossing?

Mal... 2
MUT-3... 0

Glad it is all good now mate, often the fix is simple in these cases

Mal... 2
MUT-3... 0

On a personal note, i think this one has reached its funny limit. Deliberately trying to inflame any situation is just childish.

On a personal note, i think this one has reached its funny limit. Deliberately trying to inflame any situation is just childish.

I don't read it like that. Just shows experience counts for a lot if there are no error codes, that is all.

Could the squeal be because water got to the AC pulley? Coincidental with the water crossing?

Forgot about the squeal, it solved itself after a few days.....

Hey Luke (Gas_Hed) Where did you get the filter from and how much. Any info to help fit would be good.