Trouble starting engine

[ProtonPusher]

I have a 94 Mazda Navajo. Lately it is having minor trouble starting after it has been sitting a while: roughly 6 hours or more. The first attempt to start sounds normal, but the engine just does not catch, and sometimes there is a bit of a wheeze at the end. I will usually let it crank for 1 or 2 seconds. It usually will start fine after cranking the engine a 2nd time, although sometimes runs a bit rough for a couple of seconds. It does not seem temperature dependent since it will happen on warm afternoons.

I would like to fix this before it gets worse. Any thoughts out there what might be wrong?

 

[MrShorty]

My first thought on something like this is a fuel issue. 1st thing I would probably do would be to put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what the fuel system is doing when it is hard to start.

 

[ProtonPusher]

That sounds reasonable. It will be a couple of days before I can get the fuel pressure gauge to check.

 

[arco777]

Also check for vacuum leaks. They can cause starting issues and often produce a wheeze.

Had a 93 that would not start easily one day. It was difficult to start and when it did, it would idle rough. After spraying carb cleaner under the hood with it running, I narrowed down the problem to the vacuum tree. Turned out a rubber vacuum cap had decayed and crumbled, and was leaking vacuum. A new cap made the motor start and run like new.