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Hard start issue...

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Old 10-11-2015, 02:28 PM
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Hard start issue...

I have searched with nothing I found similar to my issue...after car sits for about 20 min or so its really hard to start...no codes to speak of except random misfire...which is weird...new plugs and coils...when I start it you can feel the misfire...but then smooths out...changed fuel filter...put 300Zx filter on...didn't help any....I'm thinking regulator or pump...any ideas
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Old 10-11-2015, 03:21 PM
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The ECTS can cause hard starting in cooler weather. Get an OBD code reader that can display the water temperature which is what the ECTS is telling the ECU. Do it when the engine is cold. The reading should essentially be the outside air temperature.

Have you checked/replaced the crankshaft sensor?
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Old 10-11-2015, 03:38 PM
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Have you checked/replaced the crankshaft sensor?[/QUOTE]

Haven't changed crank sensor...when it starts it has a miss...but then smooths out...guess I'll replace it tomorrow
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Old 10-11-2015, 11:13 PM
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You didn't search too hard. There are 1,235,798 threads on hard starts relating to cold starts and warm starts. Bad ECTS, fuel pump, FPR, poor transmission grounding, leaking injectors which is flooding your engine (and could be the cause of your misfire) etc.
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Old 10-11-2015, 11:39 PM
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Looks like you have a low fuel pressure problem. The first thing you must change is the fuel pressure regulator and then go for the fuel pump that way you ruled out one potential problem and then if that doesn't work check your fuel injectors which have o-rings that are held by Pintle caps and the Pintle cap becomes really brittle and breaks after high mileage which will cause misfires and fuel pressure to leak down into the Pistons because the o-ring is not being able to hold the pressure.
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Old 10-12-2015, 02:35 AM
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Originally Posted by The Wizard
You didn't search too hard. There are 1,235,798 threads on hard starts relating to cold starts and warm starts. Bad ECTS, fuel pump, FPR, poor transmission grounding, leaking injectors which is flooding your engine (and could be the cause of your misfire) etc.
Ok...just checked the ECTS..showed 70 degrees..and the temp outside is 57...given that the coolant is somewhat insulated by that housing I'm assuming that checks out ok...I'll replace the FPR today and see if that helps...I'll keep this updated as the day goes...
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Old 10-12-2015, 02:41 AM
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not to tell you to throw parts at it...but the fuel pump is kind of easy to change out and not too expensive...thats where i'd start but id look about diagnosis procedures first
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Old 10-12-2015, 04:23 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
not to tell you to throw parts at it...but the fuel pump is kind of easy to change out and not too expensive...thats where i'd start but id look about diagnosis procedures first
I have a donor car I'm taking parts off of...no cost to me...just the time as I work in a factory at night...and remodel homes during the day.

Pretty sure I've narrowed it down to a bad injector on the #1 cylinder...got cylinder 1 misfire code...changed coil and plug (it was covered in gas) still misfiring and strong odor of gas from exhaust...pulled all the plugs and the rest look fine to me...maybe a little lean...ran it took #1 out covered in gas again...bad injector I hope

Last edited by jerrod99_se-l; 10-12-2015 at 08:54 AM. Reason: Update!
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Old 10-12-2015, 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by jerrod99_se-l
I have a donor car I'm taking parts off of...no cost to me...just the time as I work in a factory at night...and remodel homes during the day.

Pretty sure I've narrowed it down to a bad injector on the #1 cylinder...got cylinder 1 misfire code...changed coil and plug (it was covered in gas) still misfiring and strong odor of gas from exhaust...pulled all the plugs and the rest look fine to me...maybe a little lean...ran it took #1 out covered in gas again...bad injector I hope
Ding ding ding ding ding, I think we have a winner!
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Old 10-12-2015, 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
Ding ding ding ding ding, I think we have a winner!
Ok...injector pintle cap and o ring destroyed pretty much...now I have a p0403 code that won't let engine rev above 3000 rpm...ughhhh...will pcv valve cause egr code?

Last edited by jerrod99_se-l; 10-12-2015 at 02:45 PM.
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Old 10-12-2015, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by jerrod99_se-l
Ok...injector pintle cap and o ring destroyed pretty much...now I have a p0403 code that won't let engine rev above 3000 rpm...ughhhh...will pcv valve cause egr code?
Why do you think the pcv would throw an egr code?
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Old 10-12-2015, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by JvG
Why do you think the pcv would throw an egr code?
Pcv is vaccum...I broke the pcv valve...then the code came up...I can't rev past 2800...if I clear the code its fine....
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Old 10-12-2015, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by jerrod99_se-l
Pcv is vaccum...I broke the pcv valve...then the code came up...I can't rev past 2800...if I clear the code its fine....
So replace the pcv valve, and report back.
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Old 10-12-2015, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by JvG
So replace the pcv valve, and report back.
Going to when I get home....from what I have read...our egr system runs on vacuum....I.e. Monifold vacuum....if this doesn't work...I'll take it apart...
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Old 10-13-2015, 03:25 AM
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take a look at the cluster of ground wires bolted on the chasis (behind the passenger headlight). Once had a 97 that was starting like crap because the ground wires were all corroded.
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Old 10-13-2015, 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by QueensMAX
take a look at the cluster of ground wires bolted on the chasis (behind the passenger headlight). Once had a 97 that was starting like crap because the ground wires were all corroded.
Through my own stupidity....I found the cause of my egr code...plug that's on top of TB wasn't plugged in all the way...bam! Code gone....also changed pcv valve with new hose...idle is smooth as silk...hesitation is gone...I can feel the difference in the car...pulls very hard now..thanks everybody!
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Old 10-13-2015, 10:46 AM
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Thanks for telling us the outcome!


You re-traced your steps, checked wiring and vacuum connections, replaced a broken pcv. and success.


If I have a new problem after a repair, it is usually due to something I just did.


We all live and learn. You saved lots of bucks by figuring this out for yourself.
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Old 10-13-2015, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by JvG
Thanks for telling us the outcome!


You re-traced your steps, checked wiring and vacuum connections, replaced a broken pcv. and success.


If I have a new problem after a repair, it is usually due to something I just did.


We all live and learn. You saved lots of bucks by figuring this out for yourself.
Indeed, but let's not forget that the original issue was due to a bad injector.
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Old 10-13-2015, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by The Wizard
Indeed, but let's not forget that the original issue was due to a bad injector.
True that.....

It's gotten to the the point that the pintile caps are often suspect. Age of the car does that.

Generally a good idea. to have the injectors serviced when ever the uim is removed for some other reason.
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