Reluctant Cold Starters

[pmatulew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Geez! Haven't you guys ever driven your cars in the cold before? How come
everybody is having trouble getting their L-jetronic cars to go?
I've been using my 86 GTV6 as a winter car for the past several years. Even
at -20F (with 20W-50 no less) it will usually pop off on the first try.
Here are the rules as I sent them to Lawrence earlier this week.


General Rules:


Battery: If it's almost flat. Don't even attempt starting the engine except
under duress. You need the clean hot spark to light that cold condensing
fuel. (Below a cutoff voltage the computer won't even function.)

Cold Start Injector: FIRES EVERY TIME YOU TURN THE KEY TO THE START
POSITION (regardless of whether the engine is turning or not). My GTV6
gives me about three tries. If it isn't running by the third try it is
FLOODED guaranteed. (Note: the plugs will not dry by themselves EVER, no
matter how long you wait. If you've drowned it, you will have to pull them
and clean them off.)

Backfires: Sure sign of a very rich mixture. Can cause significant damage
to intake tract (runners, plenum, big hose from airflow meter). Also known
to be associated with skipped timing belts  =8~O

Standard Daily Procedure: (from dead cold) clutch in, throttle closed, turn
key. Repeat twice ONLY. If still not running, hold throttle wide open and
crank CONTINUOUSLY until plugs clear and fire. (During start-up, throttle
position only affects air supply, not fuel. Main injectors do not supply
fuel until engine is actually running).

Emergency Procedure: disconnect cold start injector (top center rear of
engine, light blue connector), hold throttle wide open, crank until engine
fires or battery is exhausted.

I drive mine every day all winter long and seldom have a problem starting
so long as the battery is okay.

               Good Luck!

                         Paul Matulewicz
                         86 GTV6
                         the Fingerlakes of NY (5F yesterday)

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