1999 9-3 Hard to Start

[stevessaab]

I just purhcased a 1999 9-3. When I test drove it, it started fine (I guess it was warm already). When its cold it is very hard to start, it justs turning over and over on the starter motor, then coughs a bit and finally comes to life. I think pumping the throttle helps.

What would this possible be ? I read maybe the fuel pump ? When I put the ignition on the pump sounds fine and the car drives completely fine once it is running.

It does have the famous oil leak from the head / block area ... perhaps some oil is also going back into the cylinder making it hard to start ? I'll be torquing that this weekend anyway.

[stevessaab]

As an update to this little issue. I find that if I key the ignition, wait for 5 seconds, pump the throttle 2 times and then try to start it, it starts pretty easy.

Also sometimes when I put the ignition on, the fuel pump runs, but dosn't stop. Normally it will run for a couple of seconds and stop, but its just running continuously somtimes .... I'm thinking the pump its on the way out and it can't build enough pressure, but I'll check the filter first, maybe thats all it is.

Noticed another small issue, my wiper blade goes too far and hits the trim around the window .. hopefully there is some adjustment in the motor/mechanism to solve that one.