Hard Cold Start

[HellCreek]

I am having a problem starting my Comanche after it has sat a while (cold starts). It starts o.k when the engine is hot. I have read posts about hard hot starting, and the consensus seems to be a bad CPS. Could this be the problem with cold starts, too? I have heard that when the CPS goes out completely, you are where you are. I would like to fix the problem while it is still in the garage and not on the side of the road -- in a driving rain. Sorry, my 1989 Comanche has a 2.5L with a 4 speed manual tranny.

 

Thanks,

Tom

[mkbruin]

Not too familliar with the 2.5...

 

I would guess coil pack or starter solenoid (not sure if the 2.5 has those too) based on what you are saying.

 

I assume you have tested the battery, alternator, and starter?

[mjeff87]

could be fuel related- 2.5's don't have a check valve in the fuel line to hold pressure after the engine is shut down. Next time try cycling the key 3-4 times to prime the pump and inlet line to the TB, see if it makes a difference.

 

Jeff

 

edit: I'm assuming that it cranks fine, but just doesn't start running right away. If you have cranking issues, disregard ^^^ ;)

[HellCreek]

The battery is fully charged, and the starter was replaced about a year ago. The starter relay was replaced after it started all by itself about a year ago. The engine "turns over" just fine, so it's not a starter related problem. The fuel pump was replaced about two years ago, and you can hear it run when you first turn the key, so it's probably not the fuel pump. The plugs were changed also about two years ago, and, as I said, it starts fine after the engine is hot, so it should not be an ignition problem. Also, it runs fine after it is started. It just has a problem starting first thing in the morning and after it has been sitting for a couple of hours.

 

Thanks,

Tom

[HellCreek]

Hi, Jeff,

 

Yes, that is exactly what I have to do in the morning. Is it normal to have to cycle the pump several times to get it to start? I don't remember having to do this after I first rebuilt the engine. This seems to be a recent development.

 

Thanks,

Tom

[mjeff87]

your fuel filter may be clogging......

 

when mine was still a 2.5, it always took a good 6-7 revolutions before the engine fired (even with a clean filter). I just got in the habit of priming the pump with a few key cycles on a cold start, and that got it down to about 4 revs.

 

There's also an idle-steeper motor on the side of the TB that has an electrically controlled plunger on it that is supposed to push the TB plate open a hair on restarts. When you key on, you should hear your pump priming and also hear a little click under the hood, which is the stepper motor energizing. Perhaps yours is out of adjustment or is inop. Try "lightly" pushing the pedal (like just the weight of your foot on it) on a cold restart and see if that makes any difference.

 

Jeff

[HellCreek]

Thanks, Jeff. I'll try that in the morning. It probably wouldn't hurt to replace the fuel filter anyway.

 

Thanks,

Tom