Starting Issues.

Hello Folks.  I just bought a 86 z28 iroc with the 305 TPI for 800 bux  as a fixer upper and have never ran into a problem like this before. You crank the engine over and over, but damnit it will not fire, stop cranking and try again and then she will make an offer but once you let off the key thinking it will start it dies.. finally after doing that 3 times it will sputter a few times then finally idle.. and it idles beautifully nice and smooth.. shut it off after a few minutes and it starts right up again no problems..BUT leave it for perhaps say.. a half hour or more and back to the same crap wont start worth a damn. New Fuel Filter on it, exhaust flow is nice and smooth when running so the cat must be ok. im suspecting the fuel pump relay because after 10 seconds of cranking i cant hear the fuel pump running... yet crank again you can..    jeez i dunno  first camaro i ever owned.  any folks out there have the same problems?  and anyone know the location of the FPR?

Does the fuel pump run when you first turn the key on before you start it? If the relay goes bad the oil pressure switch will give power to the pump. If the relay was bad it would take extended cranking to start the car. The engine builds oil pressure and engages the pump.

Yes it does kick in when you first turn the key. strange problem as i do not know if it is electrical or fuel problem.

I had a similar problem with my car.
Have you had the battery checked?
My car was doing the same thing, and it turned out being a bad cell in the battery.
I would have the battery checked first because it is a quick fix.

Hmm another thing i have discovered today..when i get it running and tromp on it while just sitting in park of course...  it almost stalls, and overfuels pure white gasoline fumes shoot out the exhaust and stink up my shop.  this stops when it warms up.. any1 have any idea.. perhaps a blown or dirty injectors?  thank you in advance .
          Mike

I have a very similar problem.  When you hit the key up to three times, it tries to start.  After three times, it just turns over and will not hit.  Yes.  With a shot o ether, it will run and runs good but rich.  I've done a full tune up, changed the battery, changed the coolant sensor, checked for vacuum leaks, and I do not have a cat converter. You tell me what's wrong??!!

I havent tried to start it since my last post. Ive got everything torn apart to change the water pump. ive changed the batt, plugs, wires, MAT and Coolant sensor, cap and rotor, and dumped in a bottle of injector cleaner. when i got her back together ill be praying it starts and runs fine

Good luck!!  I've tried all of that and it still does the same thing.  No changes.