Hey, since I bought my car back in June, it has started up pretty well. Well over he past few weeks it has taken some time to start, like 7-8 seconds, and sometimes when it starts it kinda bogs for a few seconds and then goes up to about 1500 rpm and really starts. I'm pretty sure its just the spark plugs (which are touching a lot by the way) so Im gonna go ahead and replace those and keep them from touching, but I was just wondering if you guys thought it could be anything else.

 

When you know it's going to take a while to start, give it 70% + throttle and see if it starts faster. If so, could be injectors or regulator.

I had the same problem, esp the bogging part. Well it bogged for a bit due to being flooded (leaking injectors), just something to think about.

 

I would check your basics along with the plugs. Wires, cap, and rotor. I've seen the same thing happen when wires go bad and have mad resistance preventing or weekening the spark. I have also had the same thing happen with a flaky ICM. It finally went bad and just wouldn't start.

 

Those "basics" to be checked would include verifying that the fuel pump runs for two seconds when the ignition is first powered up, and that is operates again as soon as teh engine is cranked. If the FP relay has failed, or the ECM is not driving the relay, the fuel pump may not run until oil pressure is established after some protracted cranking.

The '87 model TPI system also incorporates a cold start valve (injector) and control for that valve. This system is powered by a single 4A fuse in the interior fuse panel marked "CRANK". Make sure the fuse in in place and intact.

As previously mentioned, if all that is correct, try to open the throttles about 15% while cranking. If the injectors of FPR have been leaking, there will be excess fuel in the chambers and intake, and the extra air you admit by opening the throttle will dilute that and allow faster starting.

Is the ambient air temperature in your location getting lower lately?

 

yeah its getting colder here. I live in Massachusetts btw.