I don't drive this much, and unless I start it every day or every other day I must crank it for 30 seconds or longer while opening the throttle for it to start. Cranking multiple times for normal durations doesn't do it -you just have to keep it spinning. If I start the car every day or even every other day it fires first spin every time, and doesn't seem to be related to actual ambient temperature. I've also tried turning the ignition on and not cranking for up to two minutes before trying to start, and that doesn't seem to help either.

Any best guesses?

The classic cause of long cranking times on this engine is a failed fuel pressure regulator. When it fails it lets pressure in the fuel rail bleed down over time rather remaining pressurized. Although 30 seconds sounds too long - I'm of the impression that 10 seconds is a more typical "long crank." Quick check is to pull the vacuum line off the pressure regulator and see if there is lquid gasoline inside. If so, it's definately bad. Thorough check is to attach a pressure gauge to the fuel rail fitting and monitor pressure over time.

There are some other possibilities - leaky injector, perhaps even fuel pump problem - but pressure regulator seems to be the most common. How does the car run when finally starts - good, or a bit funky?

- JimY

OVP.
Do a search..

Thanks for the advice - I'll check that today. I'm assuming that if I find fuel behind the diaphram it's definitely bad, but if I don't it's not necessarly good. Any idea if the check valve is built in to the regulator or is a seperate item somewhere in the plumbing?

I don't know about the check valve; haven't had to learn everything about these cars yet. I'd guess it's incorporated in the fuel pump(s).

I like Arthur's suggestion. Use the search feature of the board to read up on 'm104 ovp'. Find the old and new OVP part numbers, then see which you have. If old, a replacement is called for. The OVP supplies power to the engine and ABS computers. If it is on the fritz, the car definately won't run.

- JimY