Long cranking

[Raffi Tomassian <tomassian@glaserworks.com>]

Dear Collective Brain,

For 3 days now, some of them humid, some of them dry, I have to crank the
engine 2-3 times for 4-5 sec. each time to get it to start.  Before it only
took a second.  I know it is getting colder in the midwest but I and Greta
('87 4kCSq) have been through 30 degree days before.  After starting she
behaves just fine.  (And the new front bushings are making me a happier
driver.  Thanks to all who suggested that.)  The symptom mysteriously
coinsides with me changing the differential oil (I am embarassed for
writing that) with heavier stuff.  I put in GL-5 85W140.  This is unrelated
isn't it?

On the other hand, the engine oil is Castrol GTX 20W50.  It, sure, is thick
so what?

The air filter is 2 1/2 mos/3000 miles old.

Thanks appreciatively to all reading this.

Raffi