Faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator?

[iajw2k2]

I recently took my '01 Impreza Outback Sport with 80k miles in for the 60k service (a bit late, I know). It was running fine and just had a burning smell and a softish clutch (perhaps that warrants another post actually). After the service it developed a starting problem.

 

When I turned the key the engine would turn over but not catch and it just shook violently. If I waited 10-15 seconds and tried again it would start. If I start the car when it's warm it doesn't have the problem, only if it's been cold. It usually takes 2 hours between starts to bring about the issue.

 

The dealership told me that it was a faulty fuel pressure regulator.

 

I have to questions:

1 - Does it sound like the FPR could be the problem?

2 - Is this something the dealership broke when they did the service or is it just a happy coincidence that it happened two days after it was in for service?

 

Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Legacy777]

It sounds like a faulty coolant temp sensor.

 

The only reason I can see them thinking it's the FPR is that it's not keeping the pressure built up, but I'd suspect the coolant temp sensor over the fpr.