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Problems starting when cold ?

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Old Sep 18, 2011 | 05:52 PM
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Default Problems starting when cold ?

My LS1 is a real BI*&^ to get started when cold, (as in sitting overnight for 8 hours or more) but once it's running it's smooth and run great and doesn't have a problem starting for the rest of the day, and it doesn't leave any codes. I have a code reader and it doesn't register zip ?
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Old Sep 18, 2011 | 06:42 PM
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Have you checked for codes using the DIC (not your hand held code reader)?
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Old Sep 18, 2011 | 07:14 PM
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I agree, codes from the DIC. Just by chance, is your engine coolant temperature reading correctly?
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 08:47 AM
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Default Codes ?

Originally Posted by dgrant3830
I agree, codes from the DIC. Just by chance, is your engine coolant temperature reading correctly?
Yes the coolant temperature is reading normal. Is that a promblem for a cold start ? Thanks !
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 09:05 AM
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I'm betting on a leaky injector-bet the fuel fail has no fuel in it when it sits for a while. Get a fuel pressure guage and see if the fuel rail holds pressure after you shut it off-the pressure should hold for quite some time.

Last edited by dougbfresh; Sep 19, 2011 at 10:08 AM.
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 09:57 AM
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You need to check cold start fuel pressure and the fuel system pressure leak down. How fast does the system come up to operating pressure when the key is cycled ON??

Sounds like you are having a fuel pressure issue (no codes for that one ) or a leakey injector allowing the system to bleed down into the manifold/cylinder.

BC
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by killain
Yes the coolant temperature is reading normal. Is that a promblem for a cold start ? Thanks !
The coolant temp sensor is a critical item as it tells the PCM the engine temperature which in turn partially controls the mixture and lots of other engine management things.
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Old Sep 19, 2011 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
You need to check cold start fuel pressure and the fuel system pressure leak down. How fast does the system come up to operating pressure when the key is cycled ON??

Sounds like you are having a fuel pressure issue (no codes for that one ) or a leakey injector allowing the system to bleed down into the manifold/cylinder.

BC
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Old Sep 20, 2011 | 09:03 AM
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Default Fuel bleed down taet.

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
You need to check cold start fuel pressure and the fuel system pressure leak down. How fast does the system come up to operating pressure when the key is cycled ON??

Sounds like you are having a fuel pressure issue (no codes for that one ) or a leakey injector allowing the system to bleed down into the manifold/cylinder.

BC
Bill, your the fourth person to suggest that this is the problem. The engine turns over plenty fast, but doesn't seem to get to that air-ignition-fuel point of ignition and run. Most everybody says that the fuel regulator is bad and since the fuel can't get injected by the right time & pressure, the engine fails to catch. But since it only cranks for 20 seconds it doesn't set a code. Or so I've been told. I'm betting this is it and am going to have an overnight fuel bleed down test done. Thank you !
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Old Sep 20, 2011 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by killain
Bill, your the fourth person to suggest that this is the problem.
So what are you waiting for ? !



It's not an "overnight" bleed down test. Install a gauge at the rail, turn the key to on (do not start). The fuel pump will prime for 2 seconds. Observe the reading on the gauge, and note how long it takes the pressure to drop.
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Old Sep 20, 2011 | 12:46 PM
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The first question I will ask is do you have an aftermarket tune?
A quick check for bleed down is to key on the ingition for a few seconds before you engage the starter.
If it starts normal then bleed down is your issue, BTW it may be your check valve in your fuel system and not an injector at all.
Usually if you have a leaky injector you engine will run like a** for a couple of seconds after it fires because of excessive fuel in 1 cylinder.
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Old Sep 20, 2011 | 01:15 PM
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If all the fuel bleeds down and returns to the tank after sitting over night, your going to have hard starting the engine.

I AGREE,, put a gage on the fuel rail shredder port and see how long it takes to come to full fuel pressure and how long it takes to bleed down.

There are NO DTCs for long starting, low fuel pressure or lean cold start. The PCM uses the Coolant Temp Sensor to sense when the PCM needs to enrich for cold start. If theres no fuel to enrich, the PCM cant do anything about it but let the engine crank till it starts.

BC

BC

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Sep 20, 2011 at 05:18 PM.
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