NC Tom

Maybe a little quicker. Certainly smoother. Not firewall, my goof. I had cleaned that ground previously. Didn't think to check it. No. Not too cold. It's 40+ currently. I removed the positive and gave it a visual inspection. Cleaned and the polished the connections. The neg looked ok for what I could tell since I didn't remove it. Not yet. Winter advisory tonight. Will probably try the parts store Mon.

Okay. Here's the latest update: Changed the oil with Rotella T4 10/30 and a Wix filter Battery Cables in good shape. At the battery, Neg was good. Pos. was loose and rusty. Cleaned both and tightened it all down. Cleaned and polished the Pos. connection to the firewall. Neg. to block was loose at the stud going into the block. I could not get the connections apart, so I just re-tightened the stud. The nut on the stud seemed to be seized. I was not able to get my hands and a wrench in that tight space to break it. Any suggestions? Re-cleaned the C101. I also have an oil pan heater that I turned on. Again, crank no start. Had my son come out and turn it over while I made a video and, of course, it starts. WTF? Drove it around a bit, no issues. I guess I'm back to "try again tomorrow and see what happens." I am leaving the oil heater on overnight this time.

Ok. Because I said I would test it, while cranking, readings were 10.3 to 10.5. No lower then 10 after four attempts.

Not sure, but it does have an electrical system "designed" by the French. They can't do anything right.

Got home late, it's dark and raining and I'm a wuss. Test and video later.

Sure. 47 degrees and damp this morning and no start. This is nuts! My son will be "voluntold" for battery testing and video.

If you haven't seen this: It's looks like a great conversion!

Definitely going to miss his Renix comments. BTW, I love the irony of the Toyota logo behind him in the pic!

Didn't have a helper. Let it idle for about 15 mins. No stumbling or shutoff. Assuming she starts in the morning, I'll try to get by parts store tomorrow.

Thanks. Here is where I am now. Battery check cold read 12.97. Battery while running read 14.5. After the stumble, I noticed an active leak at the fuel rail. I replaced the rings, etc. Fuel pressure now at 33. It's running nicely at the moment. Going to let it idle a bit to see what happens.

@89 MJ @gogmorgo @Eagle_SX4 @GonzoTheGreat @eaglescout526 and anyone else. 53 degrees and she started on the 2nd try. Go figure. About 5 min in, stumbled and shut off. Started back up with a little hesitation. does this change anyone's theories? Or things I should check?

15+. Nothing sub-zero. In case it's the starter, do you have any suggested brands for a replacement?

Lots of good feedback. It's supposed to be pushing 60 degrees here Sunday, so I'll do some investigatin' and update.

Just turns over indefinitely. But not not quick enough to start. Before the cold start in, it turned over much faster.

Sure. The battery is dated 4/23. Need to thoroughly check the cables. They look good up top. Over a month ago, it wouldn't start. I cleaned out the C101 and the Ballist Resistor. It cranked strong and started right up. Keep in mind that it was sitting for almost a year. I thought it something mechanical, not electrical. I drove it for several days without issue. The weather turned cold and that's it. No more starting. Just long cranking. It does need an oil change. I currently run 10/40. I have much testing to do based on previous comments. I'm just throwing out a little background.

A rattle would suck! Actually, the truck is so loud, I wouldn't hear a rattle!

No. But you never know when a very smart Mouse, Squirrel or Chipmunk finds it's way in. I live in the woods. Anything can happen. 😎

That means more fuel? How does that cranking speed?

Per @89 MJ I'm starting a new thread about sluggish turnover and no start when cold weather hits. I charged my battery overnight and this morning cranking my 88 Auto is VERY sluggish. It ran well just two weeks ago. Cold hit and now crank with no start. It's been suggested that I test some sensors, MAP and the coolant temp sensor. However, Neither one of those would be responsible for slow cranking, would they?

You can try power washing it off. I've had some luck with it taking rustoleum flat black off without damaging the original color.

Thanks all for chiming in. I have removed the CPS before and replaced it with a new one that didn't work and put the old one back on. So, I know how to do it. It's just a stupid place to put something so important. In my opinion. Electrical is not my forte, so I get annoyed very quickly when things don't work. I just figured creating a hatch for easier access would be a good thing. And @ThatJeepGuy It wouldn't be a "gaping access hole". It would be a nice, clean, port, with a hinged lid, lined with carpet and lockable.

CCA 590. Temp this morning is 24 with a 16 wind chill. Charger plugged overnight. Still plugged in, no start, crank is VERY sluggish. The cold is definitely a factor since two weeks ago it was starting and running.

I have a charger on it now. I'll let it charge overnight and see what happens in the morning.

Maybe. I didn't see anything that looked right. There are some graphics, but I'm not good all with schematics and electrical diagrams. I did read that Renix needs to crank around 300 rpm before firing? If that is true, mine is NOT turning over that quickly.

You are correct. Don't "need" to. But, it's such a PITA and takes way too long. I have to go underneath with 6+ extensions all while laying on cold, sharp gravel. It's unpleasant enough to want to just cut a dang hole.