Hard to start when cold

[ottogaus]

Beloved 98 just turned 200k. Now it's hard to start, but only when cold. Had parts store check battery, starter and alternator. All good. Also have to reset radio presets every morning. Help please!!

[Jigg007]

When was the last time you changed your oil? Also you should be using 5W-30.

[ottogaus]

Am using 5W-30 and last had it changed, at the dealer, about 2k miles ago.

[Jigg007]

How is it hard to start? Is it giving hesitation? Or is it spinning the engine rather freely? How long does it take to turn over?

If it sounds like its taking a lot of work to turn over, then it is your battery (or alternator) or the oil is getting too thick. You said it was checked out but thats all I can come up with.

If the starter is spinning easily then you have another problem, like a MAF sensor, plugs, fuel, etc.

[ottogaus]

Thanks Jigg. Not too hard to start. Giving hesitation and initially acts like a dead battery but then starts fairly quickly (but I am worried about it getting worse and eventually not starting at all). What are your thoughts on a fuel pressure issue or IAC valve issue?? Been reading that these are somewhat common problems.

[Jigg007]

Whats the temprature in georgia? I'm sure its been pretty cold lately. (colder than usual?) And as the temprature drops the oil thickens, making it difficult to turn the engine over, the age of the oil will compound this condition as it thickens/gets sludgy/dirty. I always notice a huge difference in starting when I change the oil in my car in these cold climates.

Also, when the auto parts store tests your starter, battery, and alternator.. You just drove there, which warmed th engine oil, starter, alternator might've topped off the battery, etc.

[Jack Deth]

do the starting problem and the radio problem go hand in hand? that sounds electrical.
i am running 10W30 here in CT with an old battery. even at 0°F, i have no cranking issues at all.

[Jigg007]

Originally Posted by Jack Deth

do the starting problem and the radio problem go hand in hand? that sounds electrical.
i am running 10W30 here in CT with an old battery. even at 0°F, i have no cranking issues at all.

Yeah, I've been using 10W-30 in my car for the past two years, just because I always had it on hand at my last job. Never had an issue for starting, sure had some hessitation though when it gets sub zero though. When I switched to 5W-30 I noticed a difference enough worth mentioning.

Keep in mind, the electrical system has its own capacity. If a mechanical condition is not allowing the starter to work efficently as it can, its going to drain that battery voltage down no matter how good of a battery it is (but ofcourse you'll have the same situation if you have a weak link, ie battery or alternator). However if everything checks out mechanically then even an old battery can start the car. Simmilar to your situation, JackDeth.. Hell, the battery in my car is 5 years old and still has the orignal alternator.

For poops and giggles, change out the oil in the car, and see if you have any difference the next day. But I know the climate is warming up quickly so your problem might disapeer regardless.

[ottogaus]

Thanks men. Really don't think it's the oil. It doesn't get very cold here in GA and it's been quite warm lately. Never had this problem before, and I have always used the same oil, changed it with the same frequency and have lived in the same climate for 10+ years. Had the same hard start this morning. Before I tried to start it, I did still have my radio presets. Then during the hard start, the radio must have lost power because the presets went away. Only have the problem after the car sits overnight.

Any other ideas? JD??

[Jack Deth]

my guess would be that something is draining the battery down overnight. it's almost dead in the morning, but by the time you have driven to the parts store to have it checked, it has recharged.
maybe the trunk light or something like that is staying on. maybe there is a short.
if you have another car, jump it in the morning and see how it starts. or, you can d/c the battery in the evening and reconnect it in the morning, see if the problem goes away.

[Jigg007]

Originally Posted by Jack Deth

my guess would be that something is draining the battery down overnight. it's almost dead in the morning, but by the time you have driven to the parts store to have it checked, it has recharged.
maybe the trunk light or something like that is staying on. maybe there is a short..

I recommend this for the parasitic load:
http://flashoffroad.com/electrical/B...teryDrain.html

[ottogaus]

Thanks to both of you. Last night I disconnected the battery. Checked voltage this morning before starting and it was right at 12 volts. Connected battery and tried to start. Same problem - had a hard time starting. So I think I can rule out the battery battery being the problem and also an excessive parasitic draw problem, correct? This continues to only be a problem when the starting after it has sat in the garage overnight. Any other ideas?

[Jack Deth]

yes, that would rule out the battery/parasitic draw theory.
just so i'm clear... the engine is slow/hard to CRANK, right?

[ottogaus]

Yes, I believe that is the case (though I'm not entirely sure what "crank" is/means). When the key is turned all the way forward, the instrument lights go dim at the very start. Then they get bright again and the engine springs to life. The problem is short lived in that the engine does not really take any longer to start than normal, it just has hard time/hesitates at the very, very initial "phase" of the start. (Hope that makes sense.) Your thoughts??

[Jack Deth]

"crank" - the starter motor turning the engine. whether or not the engine starts is another matter.
what you describe doesn't sound that abnormal. i have to pay more attention when i start my car tonight.