Re: Cold start problem...

[Nathan Belo <belo@eskimo.com>]

On Mon, 25 Nov 1996 i6941tb@gnn.com wrote:

> liju@travelin.com wrote:
> > 
> > Hey guys:
> > 
> > I've been experiencing a severe cold start problem for a while now. My mechanic
> > says "its just the cold weather", but i think it might be something else.
> > 
> > When I start up each morning, the engine turns like its never going to start but
> > when I let go of the key the engine sort of reluctantly fires up. Every once in
> > a great while it will just start up without any hesitation.
> > 
> > The thing that puzzles me is that if I start it up within about 45 mins. of last
> > shutting it off it starts up with no problem. Any thoughts on what it could be?
> 
> Yes, Liju, I know exactly what that is (BTDT). Replace the injectors
> with the new ones, Viton tipped.
> 
> When you run your car the pump deliveres fuel @80psi. When you shut it
> off, the pump stops and injectors bleed the pressure down to about
> ~50psi, then shut themselves hermetically. This is done in order to keep
> the residual pressure in the fuel sys and to allow you a quick start
> later.
> 
> Your old injectors have lost this ability and in the morning you are
> pumping up those 80psi from 0. Have you ever happen to run out of gas
> dry and then try to start the car after AAA refilled your tank? Same
> here. That is why you have no problems restarting the car after 45min.
> The pressure is still fairly high, the injectors drip relatively slow.
> 
> Get new injectors and enjoy the 2sec cranking time all year round. (OK,
> make it 5sec in the winter, if you have fresh plugs).
> 
> Igor
> 
I have the same problem, but I've been told it is most likely the cold
start valve or possibly thermo-time switch.  My car has 149,000 miles.  It
always start after a few turns on the ignition, which is embarassing.  My
friends say to me, "Audi."  I replaced the ignition switch, but it didn't
help.  How do I know.  I don't have a multi-meter yet and if I want to
take the cold start valve off to see if it spews gas for 8 seconds,
because it is a pain in the butt to get to on my car.  If it is the
injectors there is a company in the back of European Car that sells these
high performance, blue printed, blah, blah, blah injectors.  Should I get
these?  In the morning when I turn the ignition it will bo vroom for a
second and then I have to keep on turning the ignition until it starts.  i
don't hold the key on for fear of frying my ignition.  Help!!!

Nathan Belo
Seattle
'88 90Q 149,000 miles