Hard starting Outback

[Matt Fischer]

My Outback is "hard starting", meaning that it revs and revs and
revs (whatever its doing) for up to 20 seconds before starting. This
only sometimes occurs and I have not been able to determine a pattern.
I recently replaced the fuel filter and had thought that perhaps the
clamps were too loose, causing the fuel system to bleed pressure.
However, yesterday I tightened the clamps and thought the problem was
solved, however I just now had the hard start again (after 3 hours
idle).

Another note was that I was in for a 60k service at the dealer
last week as well. The only related work they did was to reprogram the
computer for a recall. (I replaced plugs and wires at 40k miles).

Should I consider further tightening of the fuel hose clamps?
Could I have somehow made a hole in the fuel lines when I was changing
the fuel filter? Thoughts?

 

[mulder]

My Outback is "hard starting", meaning that it revs and revs and
revs (whatever its doing) for up to 20 seconds before starting. This
only sometimes occurs and I have not been able to determine a pattern.
I recently replaced the fuel filter and had thought that perhaps the
clamps were too loose, causing the fuel system to bleed pressure.
However, yesterday I tightened the clamps and thought the problem was
solved, however I just now had the hard start again (after 3 hours
idle).

Another note was that I was in for a 60k service at the dealer
last week as well. The only related work they did was to reprogram the
computer for a recall. (I replaced plugs and wires at 40k miles).

Should I consider further tightening of the fuel hose clamps?
Could I have somehow made a hole in the fuel lines when I was changing
the fuel filter? Thoughts?

If you don't see or smell fuel leaking when the engine is running the
clamps are tight enough. The fuel system runs at about 40 psi so you
would know if there were any leaks.
It is possible that there is a problem with the fuel pump or pressure
regulator, also there could be an injector that is sticking open. Once
the engine finally starts, does it then run normally or does it
stumble and run roughly for a few seconds? Also, if you turn the key
to the run position before cranking you should hear the pump running
briefly to build pressure.
To help in troubleshooting this and to determine if it's really a fuel
system issue, a fuel pressure gauge should be connected and then
observed while attempting to start the engine. If it isn't building
pressure normally the readings will show this.

 

[Jim Stewart]

Matt Fischer wrote:

Should I consider further tightening of the fuel hose clamps?
Could I have somehow made a hole in the fuel lines when I was changing
the fuel filter? Thoughts?

It's not that.

I'd try some fuel drying additive to the gas.

 

[Matt Fischer]

Matt Fischer wrote:



It's not that.

I'd try some fuel drying additive to the gas.

I chose the easy option, which was to do nothing. It's been
fine for about a week now and so I suspect that your idea was correct.