Problem with starting sometimes?

[Superdavy89]

Hey guys, I have a 93 XL that i've been slowly working on the last few years to get running right. I have replaced the battery, starter, alternator, cleaned the TB and MAF. New brakes, 31'' tires, and new plugs and wires. It runs like a champ now, except for sometimes when i go to start it, it chugs almost as if the battery is dead. I know it isnt because everything with the charging system is brand new. Everytime I do it, if i let it sit for about 5 seconds, it fires right up. This is annoying and i'd like to get to the bottom of it. Any suggestions?

 

[C2H5OH]

First things first...pull the codes.

 

[R&T Babich]

... I have replaced the battery, starter, alternator, ... sometimes when i go to start it, it chugs almost as if the battery is dead. I know it isnt because everything with the charging system is brand new. ...

Just because it's brand new, doesn't mean it's working properly.
What is the battery voltage before/during starting and after running?
Are all the electrical connections good and solid, cables not corroded inside, grounds tight?

 

[Anime]

What brand of battery, what Group size? What brand of starter/alternator?

New means nothing. You can go buy a brand new battery for cheap and throw it in there and it can be too small and too weak for the engine, and continual use, especially in winter weather, will wear it down. A cheap new starter will get the job done but eventually go out, a cheap new alternator might provide just enough current, but have a poor voltage regulator and eventually damage the battery and electrical system.

It could also just be corrosion in the old battery cables, eventually it seeps throughout the cable and interferes with the current getting to the starter. Could also just be a bad ground, check for rust, corrosion, oil, grime, grease, etc. at the ground on the frame (passenger side, in front of the tire) and on the engine block. (passenger side, rear, above the oil filter, you can see the ground through the fenderwell)

 

[CyanEyed]

Similar problem

mine used to do that, rarely. (once per month-ish)

now it doesnt do it at all.

possible fixes:

starter solenoid (i replaced it a while ago)

battery terminals (replaced because i heard arcing and they looked awful and the engine wouldnt start)

timing (wait till AFTER the fuel pump finishes running, THEN turn the key more to make the engine turn over. my girlfriend always turn the key all the way and the car takes alot more turning to sputter to life. she also starts it with her foot on the throttle and is startled every time by the engine roaring to life; but she is used to a *formerly* ****ty car.)

hopefully some of this information helps you. try the timing thing first.