CA18DET Hard Start Due to Engine Flooding

Engine flooding is the most frequent cause of hard starting in the CA18DET. Confirm this by removing the spark plugs and inspecting them for wetness or heavy fuel saturation. If the plugs are wet, the cylinder combustion chamber contains excess liquid fuel preventing ignition. To confirm, perform a clear-flood test by disabling the fuel pump and cranking the engine; if the engine shows signs of firing or catching during this process, cylinder flooding is confirmed.