Previa dies on first startup, 100% ok at second

[JHZR2]

Hi,

Im new here, but am asking a question regarding a 94 previa minivan. It is my father's, we got it new in 94, and it currently has 185k miles on it. Looks like day one on the inside, has been rock solid reliable always, returning ~23 MPG on average, and only ever requiring the dealer scheduled maintenance, brakes, tires, and a recent O2 sensor change. We use Mobil 1 10w-30 oil in the engine, at intervals supported by oil analysis (13k miles gives 8ppm of iron - so the engine is barely wearing at all).

My question is regarding a newly evidenced phenomenon, which has started on really cold days.

If we start the car, after it haqs been sitting so it is completely cold, it will start, then after catching, it immediately sputters a tiny bit and dies. It doesnt shut off immediately, but it doesnt sputter or run funny for more than a split second.

If we immediately start it again, it runs fine, and is 100% until it gets cold-soaked again in very cold temps.

there is high turnover of gas in the tank, and we have used drygas.

There has never been a check engine light except for ~1 month ago, which was due to the O2 sensor. It went out on its own, but we replaced both sensors anyway, since they are so old. We used Denso sensors, and no CEL ever has come on since, even when it stops running like described above.

I would think that maybe its that the fuel pump isnt pressurizing fast enough so there is only the fuel that is in a small portion of the line and the injectors. Or, I would also guess that maybe the injectors leak down, so the remaining fuel in the cylinder is good enough to start it, but then it takes a few turns to purge the air out, in which time the engine stops?

I have been told that it could mean that the TB needs to be cleaned.

Any suggestions or ideas would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

JMH

[1995m]

Me think:

1. Fuel pump is tired and the output is low (pressure, volume or both.) Test for the pressure and volume. This may need procedures from a shop manual.

While you can scratch your head on getting that one done over the next days or weeks. Try this for now - turn on ignition for 15 or 20 seconds before starting engine. The idea is to allow the fuel pump to build up the pressure first.

2. Fuel injectors may be clogged. It is not atomizing the fuel well. Before your next oil change, run a tank or two with injector cleaners.

[ARODYL]

check your cold start injector and time switch could be clogged or malfunctioning also check your coil