Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: SR71blackbird on August 29, 2010, 01:45:25 PM

Title: um.....
Post by: SR71blackbird on August 29, 2010, 01:45:25 PM
my car wont start in the cold...  this is the second in a weeks time that my car wont start when its cold. Last night, wouldnt start. we tried compression starting, rolling it backwards trying to start it. we were at it for 20 minutes. This morning, started right up first try... why wont it start in the cold?
Title: um.....
Post by: daminc on August 29, 2010, 01:49:46 PM
does it crank? is it just dead?
Are you sure it's the cold, and not coincidence?
Title: um.....
Post by: SR71blackbird on August 29, 2010, 01:51:57 PM
its cranks over fine, it just doesnt fire up.
Title: um.....
Post by: daminc on August 29, 2010, 01:55:29 PM
I would run the codes first. Then check the resistance range of the temp sensor on the motor.
Title: um.....
Post by: SR71blackbird on August 30, 2010, 02:07:53 AM
arlright. last winter it started up fine everytime
Title: um.....
Post by: daminc on August 30, 2010, 07:23:18 AM
could be condensation related with the temp change getting colder. could be a bad battery connection, ground connection, etc
Title: um.....
Post by: BogusSVO on August 30, 2010, 01:08:41 PM
when you were tryin to start it when cold... what was missing? fuel or spark?
Title: um.....
Post by: SR71blackbird on August 30, 2010, 09:29:53 PM
when i was starting it, there was spark. it didnt sound like it was missing. i retarded my timing hoping that would work but it didnt. the battery is 5 months old red top optima.
Title: um.....
Post by: vinnietbird on August 30, 2010, 09:38:59 PM
How's the fuel pressure? Maybe the pump isn't working as it should.
Title: um.....
Post by: SR71blackbird on August 31, 2010, 04:13:50 AM
idk what the fuel pressure is. im getting a fuel pressure gauge put in hopefully this week. along with a boost gauge and wideband gauge and sensor.
Title: um.....
Post by: t3skidoo on August 31, 2010, 05:00:12 AM
While a FPG is a good idea, right now you should be able to verify that you have fuel pressure by releasing pressure at the schrader valve.
Title: um.....
Post by: mcb82gt on August 31, 2010, 08:29:13 AM
If youve got spark, your only missing one thing, right?

How old is your fuel pump, check the pump relay.  Do you hear the pump prime briefly when you first turn the key?
Title: um.....
Post by: vinnietbird on August 31, 2010, 09:46:58 AM
You can have pressure,but not enough presure.That's what happened to my last fuel pump. Low pressure,no go.
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Post by: BogusSVO on August 31, 2010, 10:52:34 AM
yeppers, if you do not have proper pressure 39-43 psi at the rail with the vac lind disconnected then she will not fire

also I have had issues with with starting/ low voltage to the Fuel pump from the roll over switch being bad.

If when it happens again, bypass the switch, unplug and jumper it, and then see if that starts the car.
Title: um.....
Post by: Chuck W on August 31, 2010, 11:21:01 AM
Run codes yet?