Cold Starts BLOW, Starts Sometimes, WHY?

[HyperFlex03]

Okay, I have a 91 eagle talon awd tsi. I have nology ignition, newer spark plugs and wires. I just replaced fuel filter about two months ago.

I live in Michigan therefore it is VERY snowy/COLD. Usually when its a little warmer out my car starts up fine with a few taps of the gas pedal. But it was REAL cold this morning, and even when i tapped the gas pedal to start it, it wouldn't.

So right now here is where i'm at....When my car is warm, it'll start, but i still need to give it some gas. When my car is cold, sometimes itll start when I give it gas, but ultimately, sometimes it won't when its cold. Keep in mind if I never hit the gas while cranking, it wont start.

Whats my problem?

Ohhh, also, runs great when on.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kpt4321]

How cold is cold?

Battery or fuel delivery, or maybe the gayology ignition.

Have you checked for boost leaks and stuff?

 

[HyperFlex03]

Well cold, as in cold, like Michigan weather. It's usually FREEZE'n in the mornings, 10 ddegrees....freeze'n. Anyway it just cranks, thats it in the morning. Even when i Hit the gas it doesnt do anything. I think its just and old car, and in the cold mornings it just doesnt wanna do much of anything, is there anything that can help it?

I'm still at a loss.

 

[Morphius]

Check the fuel pressure. Maybe a faulty pump.

 

[HyperFlex03]

Okay its not my fuel pump. I have the 255 walboro btw.

UPDATE : My car started a few cold mornings in a row! But on the 4th, she didnt....TOO COLD. Could my battery not have enough cold-crank'n amps? I'm still at a loss as to why it doesnt wanna start in the cold mornings. I still have to give it gas when starting also or else it won't.

 

[AKTNDR]

I had the same problem with mine when it hit -20. Do you have a engine block heater? Once I started pluging mine it starts a lot better in the cold.

 

[HyperFlex03]

Okay, i've never heard of an engine block heater. What does all this entail? It will prolly help me LOADS in start'n up my car. Any info on this would be great!

 

[Morphius]

Originally posted by HyperFlex03
I have the 255 walboro...

I don't have a 255 walboro, but I've read alot of posts on here that people say that it will make the car run rich in normal average temps. When your car is cold it will run the fuel rich until the car is warm. (ie. why it idles higher when cold) Add a 255 pump and I think you are causing an overly rich condition.

A new pressure regulator might help.



Any experienced 255 users here speak to this?

 

[Morphius]

Originally posted by HyperFlex03
Okay, i've never heard of an engine block heater. What does all this entail? It will prolly help me LOADS in start'n up my car. Any info on this would be great!

I've used two types. One is put in place of a freeze plug on the side of the engine block. The other is spliced in line on your heater hoses. I say the type you splice in line on the heater hoses would be the easier one to quickly add.

Head to your local auto parts store and ask them about a block heater. If they don't have the splice kind, find an impliment or tractor supply type store. They will positivly have it. Like Tractor Supply Co. I'd imagine with all the farming in that direction there should be one in your area.

 

[Puller]

if it cranks slowly (it prolly does at least a bit) and doesn't seem to be firing as normal...maybe some sputter...add some dry gas to the tank and change the oil to better suit ur climate..i live in rochester and it stayed at -8F - -15F this past week and my car wouldn't start at all...then i walked out on the 25F day and no problem...i run really thick oil...60% lucas and it's like thicker than you can imagine...that is awful in the winter as oil thickens in cold and thins in heat...that basically makes if feel like ur battery is dying when it really isn't..def. go with the thinest possible oil and try the block heater i'd like to, also.

 

[AKTNDR]

Good call on the lighter weight oil. I change to 5W30 in winter and then summer I will go back to 10W30. That seems to help. But the block heater will help the most.