Different fuels creating cold-start problems?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Different fuels creating cold-start problems?
I've noticed recently that the Vette is not cold-starting like it used to. It takes a lot longer to crank and idles a little rougher for a minute. I always run 93 octane from various high volume, major brand stations.
So, in perusing the boards of some of my other vehicular interests, I found similar complaints.
BMW:
"My 2001 325xi is almost a year old with 10k miles. About 2 months ago it started to show cold start problems. Sometimes it immediately stalls and then starts fine on the second try. Other times it starts but idles roughly for a minute or two."
VW:
"I have owned a 2000 1.8T B5 and now a 2002. With the 2002 I am experiencing poor running (like a lawnmower) for a minute or so each morning. It then smoothes out ok. "
Common speculation is that the gas companies are reformulating to phase-out the MTBE additive because of environmental issues. They are trying out other ethynol substitutes which, because of the ethynol octane boosters in premium fuels, effect premium grades the most.
Anybody notice this, and have you heard what's happening?
So, in perusing the boards of some of my other vehicular interests, I found similar complaints.
BMW:
"My 2001 325xi is almost a year old with 10k miles. About 2 months ago it started to show cold start problems. Sometimes it immediately stalls and then starts fine on the second try. Other times it starts but idles roughly for a minute or two."
VW:
"I have owned a 2000 1.8T B5 and now a 2002. With the 2002 I am experiencing poor running (like a lawnmower) for a minute or so each morning. It then smoothes out ok. "
Common speculation is that the gas companies are reformulating to phase-out the MTBE additive because of environmental issues. They are trying out other ethynol substitutes which, because of the ethynol octane boosters in premium fuels, effect premium grades the most.
Anybody notice this, and have you heard what's happening?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans, LA
Re: Different fuels creating cold-start problems? (lotzahp)
I've noticed the same starting problems in all my cars, including the Vette. I think the oil companies use a different blend of additive in gasoline during the winter, and maybe they haven't completely switched over from this winter blend to the summer blend.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,489
Likes: 916
From: Alaska
Re: Different fuels creating cold-start problems? (vette2001c5)
Dont laugh......but try adding some HEET. Condensation occurs very easily especially if your car goes in and out of the garage alot
