NC Tom

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.

Folks have done it, but has anyone documented it?

My add to this thread is that I want mine to be my DD. I bought it for that and for farting around town and hauling and just driving an old truck. A mistake? Possibly, but I have learned a lot thus far and I enjoy working on it. For me, time and not having a garage are the biggest inconveniences.

Okay. I can wait. It's dark and cold here and I do not have a garage.

Does not persist.

@89 MJ Thanks for the info. Currently, it just cranks and cranks. Way longer than it's supposed to. When running, it's good. No high idle, skipping, etc. I tried the ballast jumper with no luck. Also attached jumper cables to charge a bit, but nada. @eaglescout526 I have not.

Both. The battery isn't that old but, it's been drained and charged a few times.

Still running. Although, it's harder to start the colder it gets.

Yeah, I'll pick some up. The tubes, not the bucket!

Good to know. I live in NC, Watauga Co., specifically. It's considered a "temperate rain forest". So, it's a little more wet here than the scorching, parched land of AZ!

Sure. How much do I need? Dielectric grease comes in many sizes?

Warmer day yesterday, no issues. Colder this morning, no start, just cranking. Bypassed the ballast res. and it did start, but not right off. All total, maybe a dozen tries. I can't be sure the jumper wire was the "fix." I do smell gas and found that fuel is seeping out (not dripping) around that plastic fuel rail/fuel line connector. @pizzaman09 I did not retention the pins.

Okay, before doing anything I tried a start since it's warmer today. Started up, no issues. BTW, sat for 4 days before trying anything. After letting it run for a bit, for good measure, I re-cleaned the C101 and made sure the blade connectors on the ballast were shiny. I did not try the ballast bypass. So, what it temperature dependent? It hasn't been that cold here. I guess I'll know tomorrow morning.