97 camry will not start

Fuel pressure regulator may not be working properly, allowing fuel pressure to bleed off overnight. Try (before going to crank position on key) turning the key on for 3 - 5 seconds, then back off. Do this three or four times. (The fuel pump will run for 3 - 5 seconds before the ECM turns it off if you don't go to the start position.) This should allow pressure to build to what is needed initially to start the engine. Now try to start normally. If this works, you need a new pressure regulator. It is located either in the fuel rail, or on the fuel pump itself.

Don't go by what someone said ! Testing the affected system is the only way to trouble shoot a problem like this . When it dies and won't start you need to find out what is missing , spark or fuel ! Pull the coil wire off the Distributor cap and hold near ground (metal on the engine ) Have someone turn the engine over , turn the key to start position. Is there spark ? If yes , it's not the crank sensor . Test the fuel pump relay electrical circuit . put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail . The fuel injectors on these are known problem childs . CPI - center port fuel ijection . They are located under the intake manifold along with fuel pressure regulator . The regulators are known to leak fuel inside the intake manifold . Cause hard start problems . How to identify and repair leaking fuel pressure regulator GM CPI system...

I don't think the EFI relay is at fault. Other things would be dead if it was, including the starter. See here p177 to test fuel pressure, which may be too low if the fuel pump itself or the pressure regulator is faulty.

http://www.turboninjas.com/camry/eg1.pdf

Had same exact problem on my 97 k1500, although it would crank after shutting off it just would not start. I fixed the problem by replacing the fuel pump in the tank. I learned that the 5.7 liter needs something like 80 psi to start but will run on around 55-60 psi (fuel pressure)

do you hear the fuel pump turn on when you turn the key to the run position? If not the check the fuel pump relay.

If the car will start and run for a few seconds then die, It may well be the crank position sensor.

Would you describe it as it cranks over normally but takes longer to start than normal especially if the engine is hot and sits for about 15 to 20 minutes before trying to start?

The first thing I would check is the fuel pressure regulator. It will be located on the fuel rail on the drivers front of the engine. It will be a round looking part held into the rail with a snap ring. It will have a small vacuum hose attached to it. Remove the vacuum hose and see if gas comes out of the nipple. If it does than the regulator is bad and will need to be replaced.

Two things happen when the regulators leak like this. the first is that fuel pressure drops. Low fuel pressure makes the fuel easier to boil in a hot engine. Fuel injector need liquid fuel to work properly. the other is that unmetered fuel ends up in the intake essentially flooding the engine. In both cases the engine eill need to be cranked over long enough to clear the flooded condition and for the fuel pump to run long enough to push liquid fuel back into the fuuel rail and restore fuel pressure.

Here's a trick to try next time. Turn the key to the run position (do not turn it all the way to the crank position). Wait 5 seconds and turn the key off then imediately turn the key back to the run position and wait another 5 seconds. Repeat this 3 or 4 times then crank the engine over. If it starts right up every time than you definitely have an issue with fuel pressure bleeding off.

The most common cause is a leaking pressure regulator but it can also be the fuel pump.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

I would check your fuel supply. You may have a clogged fuel filter not allowing fuel up to the throttle body. It is best to check before the filter. Be careful that the pressure built up does not spray all over. If there is no pressure and when you turn the key on nothing you have a bad fuel pump. If there is pressure you probably have a bad fuel filter or a bad fuel regulator. Wish you luck!!

check for vaccume on fuelpreasure regulator if none replace

recheck spark by putting a plug into one of the plug wires and place on valve cover, crank engine and see saprk in that plug. check fuel pressure during cranking to verify fuel supply. If you have no fuel pressure check fuses and fuel pump relay, in fuse box and power distribution box under the hood. If all are good check for power at the fuel pump connector with the key in start position, in run position the power will only be there for about 5 seconds, you are correct with fuel and spark it should run, let me know what you find

it sounds like the check valve in the fuel pump is letting the fuel bleed back into the tank