89' cold start "issues"
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Mason Ohio
89' cold start "issues"
I have had cold start problems since I bought this car almost a year ago. I replaced the injectors with Bosch IIs and it was still hard to start. Fuel pressure is 44 psi.
During the summer months I would have to crank it for 3-4 seconds over and over until it would start. Once the engine is warm; no problem.
When the weather started cooling I put a tee in the pvc hose and ran a hose out the hood by the drivers door so I could spray starting fluid for the cold starts. Now it's real cold (teens) and the starting fluid not working as well.
I would like to fix this thing, any ideas?
During the summer months I would have to crank it for 3-4 seconds over and over until it would start. Once the engine is warm; no problem.
When the weather started cooling I put a tee in the pvc hose and ran a hose out the hood by the drivers door so I could spray starting fluid for the cold starts. Now it's real cold (teens) and the starting fluid not working as well.
I would like to fix this thing, any ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 965
Likes: 13
From: turn 12 at Road America or TX
If that's true, the fuel pump relay is bad. Do you hear the pump run for a second or two when you turn the key to run but don't crank? If not, the relay is bad.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 18
From: Lawrenceville Georgia
I agree with Post #3 on checking the fuel pump relay.
Also, check the coolant temp sensor, this is the on located at the front of the intake manifold under the Throttle Body. A quick scan will show what the temp reading is while engine is cold. This sensor feeds info to the ECM. and when cold the ECM richens up the fuel mixture for a better start-up.
Joel
Also, check the coolant temp sensor, this is the on located at the front of the intake manifold under the Throttle Body. A quick scan will show what the temp reading is while engine is cold. This sensor feeds info to the ECM. and when cold the ECM richens up the fuel mixture for a better start-up.
Joel
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Mason Ohio
I ohm checked the coolant sensor a while back (it checked OK) maybe I'll just replace it.
In 89' GM did away with the cold start injector. How did they deal with cold starts? Is this when multi-tec injectors were introduced? Could I have a program problem? I know "too many questions".
In 89' GM did away with the cold start injector. How did they deal with cold starts? Is this when multi-tec injectors were introduced? Could I have a program problem? I know "too many questions".
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
Check the fuel pressure when starting cold--key on--not cranking--fuel pump should run for a couple seconds--what do you have and does the pressure hold for a bit? Since you've checked the ECT--I'm thinking possible fuel pump check valve. The only other thing which comes to mind would be to ohm check the ECT circuit at the ECM itself which would eliminate connectors/terminals and wiring. JMO 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,254
Likes: 221
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Your problem sounds like you are relying on the oil pressure switch, to send power to fuel pump. As stated, you should hear the pump run for 2 seconds, when the ignition is switched to "run".
If you don't, start checking the pump relay's, inputs and outputs.
