5KCSTQ--hard starting, whirrrrling sound

["Richard Haroutunian" <Richard_Haroutunian@inso.com>]

Guys,

It's been a while since I've asked for advice-- the car has been running
great.. Up until a week ago.  The car always started a littler rough.  When
I took it in to have it all checked out-- I was told that these cars just
start that way.

I had messed with the plugs and put platinums in--and it made things
worse-so I put the normal once back in and it ran good for 9 months.  BUT--
last week the car was REAL hard to start, and it wouldn't stay running
unless I kept my foot on the gas.  I also noticed that the car seemed like
it was choking to get fuel -- it wasn't performing up to par--and it
skipped a little at high RPMs.

 It finally stalled out and wouldn't start again so I had it towed to the
shop. They checked everything-- and changed everything--O2 sensors, air
filter, ignition switch-- everything.

Picked up the car yesterday and the valet pulled up with it running.  Just
to check it out-- I shut it off and tried to start it again. Sure enough,
the bastard wouldn't start!!  I was pissed, so I walked back into the
office and complained. I was waiting for a ride home, and got impatient--
so I went out to try and start it again. It started, but it still sucked!

What is wrong with this car?  Why does it start so rough?

This is probably unrelated, but I also noticed a whirling sound when I
drove the car last night.  It made the car sound like a space ship or
something!  This also happened last year when it got cold.

Any ideas?

TIA

Richard
87 5KCSTQ
85 4KSQ
97 Landcsuiser
82 VW Cabrio