hey guys, I had my mechanic install NWP spacers and OEM sparkplugs yesterday. Im almost 100% sure the spacers have nothing to do with this problem. Anyway...the car chokes when I start it now, kind of like its not getting enough fuel. Eventually it starts though, it never dies. Sometimes it chokes and sometimes it starts fine. I left the car overnight and it started just fine, but after shorter trips it seems to choke when I start the car again.

Any idea what the problem is? thanks in advance

 

tons of RTV squished out?

 

try to check for loose connectors. e.g. MAF

 

Is it when the engine turns over, revs to like 600-700rpm then *slowly* starts and revs to normal ~1,300rpm and then idle smooth afterwords? Only when engine is warm?

That's what I get once in a blue moon but the car drives fine, and still does start every time.

 

only when engine is warm bro. I find that if I let the car for a while it starts up just fine. But if I restart it in less than 1/2 hour or so, it chokes when I start it.

 

Ya only happens after short trips and engine is warm. When it has cooled down it starts up no problem, I never figured out what it was and didn't pursue it since it wasn't a big deal as my car still start every time on 3rd crank.

 

ah...so this does happen to you too?

 

Yep, I just see it as a small annoyance that happens once in a while.

 

hm. Did this happen after your spacer install?

 

Oddly enough yes it did, but the "stall" feel got a lot better after I took off the short ram and installed a GAB.

 

do you think the idle-relearn prodecure or ECU reset is worth a shot?

btw...going to the aug. 29th meet?

 

My idle is as smooth as can be lol and I unplug my battery often so my ECU should have been reset as well.

95% going to the meet, it's been a while since I went to one, hope to see you there!

 

yea ill see you there man.

I think I gotta live with this choking thing it seems like

 

I would try the ECU reset. You've got nothing to loose. It's a lot easier with a watch that shows seconds.

I'm sure you did this but check all the electrical and vacuum connections around the manifold and runners. There are a lot of connections that have to be undone for this job. Also, check the other end of each connection. It's possible to miss undoing one and yank on it while removing the runners. The mechanic could have damaged a clip or vacuum connection somewhere less obvious than right on top.

 

did you check the gap on the plugs? Some of the plugs that come pre-gapped should still be checked. 3 of my 6 plugs were significantly off.

 

thank your Sir. Im going out to look everything again. Connections looked all ok but I'll check again.

ah...you may have a point. I thought oem plugs all come gapped to proper specifications so I didnt even bother

 

I thought you are not supposed to adjust double platinum (laser platinum) spark plugs. They come pre-gapped from factory.

- Vikas

 

So I found out exactly when this happens.

Cold starts are perfect. However, warm-starts, when I restart the car after 5-10 minutes, is when it sounds like its going to die upon starting.

 

vacuum leak?

 

Again, while they do say that, 1/2 of my plugs were off by a pretty good amount, it doesnt hurt to double check.

 

hahah i got the same problem as this guy can not figure it out so that i gotta try the ecu resest or somethingtoo.

 

the exact problem

 

does anyone else have any input? Is this a normal characteristic of spacers? If so, its fine b/c it means its normal. But if other people dont have this warm-start issue (other than n3985), I would still be worried.

 

wouldnt I be throwing a SES if the gap was off? Wouldnt the car misfire then?

 

Maybe but maybe not.

If you had a mechanic do the install why not have him check it out?

 

I asked him and he insists its not the plugs b/c then the car would have a starting issue on EVERY start, not only the warm-starts

 

Ive been wanting to get these spacers but seems like alot of people are having this problem after the install whether they do it or have someone else do it.

 

Not really a problem, more like an annoyance

 

who else is having this problem? Can you share so I can get in touch with them?

I'll make you hear it at the meet on saturday. We went over the install today and everything looks good. NO idea whats up Why do some (you and me) have the problem and others dont?

 

I randomly, but rarely have the issue. Mine sounds a lot more relaxed than this guys. It stutters for a bit once it fires, but then idles up just fine. But since it's also rare and random, it doesn't fit his problem haha. I have a breather on the front valve cover, so maybe that makes a difference. I also have 1 step colder NGK iridiums.

 

I had the EXACT same problem with mine right after plugs.. I took i.m back up.. checked all the plugs(all were gapped) and then put everything back on the exact same way... and was fine... Idk wth I did wrong the first time.. Maybe our cars just don't like us? It's a hastle I know.. But before buying anything spend 45 min and just take ur im back off and re check everything.

 

well Im convinced it was a problem with the spacer install....way too much rtv was applied. You can actually see the dried up rtv oozing out of the spacers right now. Aaron said its blocking the flow of the injectors. So..the shop is going to re-do the install on sunday. I'll report back then.

 

You have to apply a super thin layer. A lot thinner than you would even imagine. Just FYI....

 

"the volume has increased in the intake manifold and the computer doesnt see the extra space... it only see;s what is passing the mass air flow.... and it take more fuel to start the car... and that hesitation is a lean condition"

Makes total sense....could this be the reason for the choking upon warm-starts?

 

But how come not everyone's does it like yours? (just saying). It makes sense, but everyone's car should react pretty much identically on start-up (and they don't). I still say too much rtv b/c even I have way too much and I was smearing it thin. I'm going to redo it when the turbo goes on.

 

your only supposed to put a few dots of rtv on the spacers then smear it with your fingers

 

but even so, if it was an rtv issue, why would the warm-starts only be problematic and not the cold starts?

+1 on the turbo

well its going to be re-done on sunday and this time the rtv will be applied more conservatively...I really hope that solves the problem. but again, I dont see how rtv would cause a temperature related issue.

 

^^btw, did you get my pm about the tein's earlier this week?

 

you are having this problem because your mechanic disconnected the throttle body when he did the plugs instead of just flipping the TB to the side and not disconected the harness.
Now you need a idle air volume relearn and you are good to go

 

that was done with the machine and the problem still persists.

I may just take out the spacers altogether...I dont like this starting problem with warm-starts