Rep Power: 0

I have a 2003 Civic EX 1.7L. I had a fuel leak in my fuel pump filter housing, so I removed the pump, disassembled and replaced the filter and the strainer, put it all back together and back into the fuel tank. Woohoo! No more leaks! It started right up after turning the key to on several times to prime the lines.

But now the problem is: when I go to start the car, it just takes a lot longer time cranking before it actually catches and starts. I think I count to about 3 or 4 before it starts, whereas before it would just turn over once and start right away! If I turn the key to on for a couple seconds and then start, it catches and starts quicker than without doing that process. When I don't do that though it seems to take too long to start and I don't want to be ruining my starter by cranking too long. I am wondering if there is some kind of valve that is supposed to prevent the fuel from bleeding back into the pump while the car is parked? Does the pressure regulator do anything like that? Or something else in the pump?

P.S.- after I start the car, it runs great just as it did before the pump was taken out and filter and strainer replaced. There are no hesitations or anything else weird going on.

 
Rep Power: 519

The system is supposed to retain residual fuel pressure for some time after the engine is shut off and the pump stops running, this is to keep the fuel from boiling in the lines after shutting off a hot engine and to keep the lines primed.

The fuel pressure regulator is one of the check/hold valves, and the other is either in the filter housing or in the pump itself.

Note that any assembly error such as pinched or cut O rings or hoses or partially assembled fittings in the assembly can result in fuel leakage (inside the tank) and rapid loss of residual pressure.

(I'd think that a completely missing O ring would keep the engine from running, but IDK for certain.)

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok, so most likely it's something that I did when disconnecting and reconnecting the new filter and strainer then? I guess I'll have to look at it again. Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 519

If that's the last thing you did immediately before this new problem popped up, then it's the most likely answer.

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright, I'll check it out this week sometime and post what I find. Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 292

Did you tighten up the gas cap?

 
Rep Power: 0

I did. And I filled up with gas later that day and I always tighten to 3 clicks like it says… kind of OCD lol

 
Rep Power: 0

Get the fault codes read. The car likely already knows what the problem is.