Hello all, first post here, and I'm hopeful for some advice. This is about a newish-to-me 2003 Carrera (40k miles, manual) that has become intermittently difficult to get running once at operating temperature. The starter engages with no hesitation or sluggishness and the fuel pump primes as normal but the engine will not start.
On the first attempt the engine will almost immediately catch (as normal) before sputtering for a moment and dying out; on subsequent attempts the engine spins but with no hint of catching. The only way I've gotten it to run is to depress the gas pedal when the starter is engaged. Once started it runs and idles normally. First start of the day is also normal.
Research on the forum seems to indicate this could be a EVAP emissions problem but I can't find suggestions on how to test the charcoal canister or related valves that are part of the system. The Bentley book is also of little help.
Two other anomalies point towards the EVAP system: once while fueling a resonance began from under the car in the region of the fuel filler tube. Its tone and vibration was such that I honestly thought 996s must have circulation fan near the tank to move vapor through the chassis. Second, and most recently, upon removing the fuel cap a steady stream of warm air wafted from the filler tube. Ambient temp was about 80deg and the vapor was warm enough to cause condensation on the opposite side of the filler door.
Basically problem is similar to the one found in this thread,
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/669017-hot-start-problem-code-p0446.html. There's some helpful information posted but unfortunately no testing tips and no resolution of the culprit. I also don't have a check engine light.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.