=Jeff= Help! My car runs terrible!

[BigRed]

Not just aiming at Jeff but I know that hes really good with this kind of thing.

My car runs like crap on cold startup (Ive mentioned this problem before and had little response) As soon as my digital dash reads off LO on my oil temp and reaches a number (60 something) I run just fine.

Now I ran my Snap-On scanner today on it ans came up with some possibilitys.

TPS is set at 0.66 not 0.54 (doubt thats my problem but I'll fix that)

O2 sensors are reading rich but in range. Now I think that perhaps my fuel pressure is running to high (Im not adjustable yet) What do you all think my problem is.

Normally Im not such a knit-picker but Im driving this car everyday now and HALF my drive is chug chug chug etc.. kinda sucks really

AH yes and my coolant sensors are 4-5 degrees out from the scanner and the dash. (Not bad I thought but I may be wrong)

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Im not JEFF, but Ill give it a shot.
First, when you have a high fuel pressure, your cold starts will actually be better. Also, your o2 sensors reading are not valid until the PCM indicates closed loop.
Now, I would suggest that you cold start fuel injector may not be running when you first start the car.
I would need the cold start temperature to confirm this. What temp is it outside when you start the car???
Also, any work been done on the car recently????
Any codes in the computer????
Please keep us posted, c4c5

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Yep, I was going to say the same as C4C5specialist

 

[BigRed]

Sorry for the delay.

Ok there was no codes at all (which bugged me I was hoping for something easy)

The car has been doing this for a long time but now that Im driving the car more I'd like to fix it.

I had the entire upper intake redone, however everything is plugged in and there is no vaccum leaks.

The car actually starts like RIGHT NOW when cold I barely have to crank it. When its warm it takes a little bit more to start it.

As for outside temperature its normal but this really isn't a factor (Trial and error) Ive started the car in sub zero all the way to standard summer temp's no difference at all. The outside temp is totally transparent to this particular problem.

I do remember seeing something about closed loop on startup but in another function it read limp home mode which drew my attention but Im still learning this scanner and Im pretty sure I was just reading the Snap-On troubleshooter guide.

The cold start injector has always been a possiblity to me but Im not experienced with this device shouldn't it shut off after startup? Plus I do believe its leaking (There is SOMETIMES black smoke on startup.

Ok here's what Ive done since the problem (Again its been a LONG time)

New ECM...Hmm orginal PROM
Upper Intake
The entire Clutch system from Hydraulics to Plate
Dynomax Mufflers and new "Y' piping (1133 CFM a side)

This may be an issue as well:

When I bought the car the primary rad fan turned on with the ignition (Hotwired)

I looked further into the "job" and found the wires to the rad fan relay were hacked and crossed...Currently I don't mind the setup however if it is causing a problem I'll have to fix of course.

It also has had new thermostats since (2 of them) First one was faulty and now its a 195 F From the dealership. (Only ones I trust anymore)
------------------------------

So if the procedure is cut off/disconnect the cold start injector can someone tell me how/where it is. I am a App Mechanic so WICKED detail isn't needed and I have all the tools or access to the ones needed.

 

[BigRed]

Any Ideas at all would be great LOL Im stumped

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Any Ideas at all would be great LOL Im stumped

I don't know, since I have an 89 I never really dealt indepth with the Cold Start injector. But it does sound odd, I would bet once it is running good it is in Closed loop too.

I would let it warm up and then use the scanner and look at the BLM and Integrator along with the o2 voltage. I am wondering if you may have a bad injector and the ECM is pulling fuel out once in closed loop..

 

[BigRed]

Hmm...

Well here's my thought.

If someone can tell me where this cold start injector is/ what it looks like (I heard its more of a BS valve) I'll disable it/disconnect (Heard we can do that to)

If its an injector problem screw it...Im actually going to change over to a miniram soon enough and when I do I wasn't planning on keeping ANY of the original intake stuff (WHY?! Its going on 20 years old)

Plan is new short block, new heads (My pickin's), and Miniram. Im sticking with the standard exhaust mainfolds or shortys (I hate headers end of story LOL)

I want to remove the cats and the air pump, plus ANYTHING that has the letters EGR attached to it. Therefore I imagine Im going to do some drastic change either to the PROM or (Hopefully not) the ECM

Jeff, my question is> Can I do all the above (Custom engine and No pollution crap) and keep the ECM alive? Ive heard I can simply put cheaters on the O2 sensors and thats the end of the story whats your thought?

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Bigred,

you need to keep the o2 for fuel injection, period.. it does help keep the mixture at Stoich, if you install an o2 sim you run the risk of running too lean or too rich..

 

[BigRed]

Ok sold! Lol As for the rest of the pollution stuff what do I have to accomplish to make ends meet here?

 

[-=Jeff=-]

EGR Cats and AIr tube don't need to be there for the car to work correctly, you will need the PROM reprogrammed if you get codes though

 

[BigRed]

Good news! But won't the ECM scream EGR if its not there?

Or are the "codes" given ran through the PROM and can be programed out?

Jeez... I just had the car up on my hoist for a looksee UGH!!!

I had to shoot it with the pressure washer HARDCORE and Im letting it dry, tommorrow I'll take another look because its leakin from somewhere.

I am FOR SURE changing out the drivetrain now. This car has, as of right now become my new project as well as my daily driver. The engine is being thrown out the window as well as the transmission (Perhaps a rebuild on the tranny). The rear end I still have to decide on. The suspension is all being redone as well as the steering.


Basicly Im going to do a SMALL version of Ken's car. I want to do this thing ground up and the start date for ripping it all apart is the day Im in the new house (Building it this fall or next spring)


Im telling ya it was depressing looking at the car on the hoist!