I think it might be the starter by I'll go ahead and post in case you guys got some other suggestions. My 5.7 350 has a hard time starting after i give it a good drive and let it sit for about 30 min. It starts fine when cold and its fine if i start it a few minutes (1-15 min) after driving. But if i let it sit for about 30 min to a few hours it will take about 2 tries to start it. It cranks but doesnt turn or sometimes it cranks for a real long time. Once it does start after a long crank or after the second try, alot of smoke comes out the back.

Could it just be the starter?
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oh yeah i should also mention that i did a tune up on it last month (spark plug/wires, distributor cap/rotor, filters, o2 sensor)

 

The starter won't make smoke come out the back. Also won't make the engine hard to get to run.

Sounds like you have one or more leaky injectors, which are dumping raw fuel into the intake while the car is sitting.

 

Does it smoke all the time or just upon startup? Could have a blown head gasket letting coolant get into the cylinders. It could also be that your valve seals have gone bad and oil is seeping into the cylinder. I had this same problem a while back and it turned out to be the valve seals. One good indicator to look for is what color the smoke is then it ought to be easier to figure out what the culprit is.

 

what color is the smoke?

as for long crank before the start up,
i think thats more of fuel/spark issue and not starters.

not 100% sure though.

hopefully ur smoke is just black becaz
blue or white smoke => very expensive fix $$$$

wish u luck!

 

hey man try to get that fixed, i saw youre car. Its nice.

 

the smoke is light grey. I only see the smoke when it has the rough start. The crank lasts for about 5 seconds before it finally turns. Remember that this only happens when the car has been sitting for an 1-3 hours after driving. It starts up fine when cold and when i just driving it (hot).

 

what color is your spark plugs?

I vote leaking injector(s).

 

i havent had a chance to look at the spark plugs, but the ones i took out last month seemed like they were the usual dark color. But back then I didnt have this startup problem.

I also have a feeling that its leaky injectors. the smoke that comes out smells like gas but i also notice that it is coming out of the bottom of the car near the cat. I just replaced the cat and cat-back exhaust by the way.

 

if u had to choose ur smoke color
from
white, black, blue,

would urs be in the black category?
if so ur car is just running rich..
comparing to other 2 colors its usually a cheap fix,
though not always easy to diagnose.

o2 sensor, fuel injectors, air temperature sensor etc etc..good luck!

 

after taking a good look, i would say the smoke is blue.