I have a '00 MC LS with the 3.4 and am having issues when starting, as stated. After sitting for more than ten minutes, it won't start the first time, regardless of the crank time allowed. Then, it fires right up during the second try. This has become very annoying considering that my remote-start won't "remote start" haha... Also, it smells like it's running rich when idling. I cleaned the intake and MAF, replaced the fuel pressure regulator, and changed the fuel filter. Lastly, once on, it idles and drives just perfect, even under heavy acceleration. Any ideas?

 

Any smoke out the exhaust when you try to start? If there is, could be a sign of a bad head gasket. It's not starting because there may be coolant in the cylinder. Right now, it's hypothetical.

Other possibilities are a leak in a fuel line and loosing fuel pressure as a result or a failing fuel pump. Just thoughts off the top of my head.

 

I'll pressure test the pump tomorrow at work, we have a pressure gauge we rent to customers. I was thinking maybe a leaking injector? But finding which one would be a mission! How long should the fuel system hold pressure for after shut-off?

 

I'm not sure how long it holds pressure after it's off, but you may want to look at how much pressure it should have when starting.

Also, check for possible vacuum leaks.

 

found a leak on the intake, the fitting next to the fuel pressure regulator. but, I can't find what connects to it...

 

It either connects to the fuel rail or it connects to the incoming fuel line. You may have to remove the upper intake and throttle body to see (you "should" be able to pop the UIM off with the throttle body still attached so you don't need to mess with a throttle body gasket).

In all the 3100/3400 work I've done, I never had a fuel leak above the the car (always lines under the car that rusted away).

 

I'm going to have to check out my '00 LS, too. I used to just have problems where when I tried to cold start it would take a little extra time to turn over. But now I actually have to start it twice sometimes, and I can smell the gas in the exhaust. POS LA1's

 

I used to feel that way about the 3100/3400 drive trains. But these days, I don't. They are not as powerful as a 3800, but well maintained, they last! And they are not too hard to work on. I am still driving a '94 Grand Am with a 3100 (which is the block the 3400 is based off of). 210,000+ miles and the car runs like new. Did the head gaskets at 180,000, and any problems it's given me since I bought it in Feb of '03 with 86,000 on it, they have been minor for the most part.