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My Vert is having some old car problems...

It just cranks and cranks for about 30-45 secs, then finally catches, sputters a couple of times then dies again. After going through this about 2-3 times, it will finally stay running, but only with my foot on the gas revved up to about 3,000 RPM. After I hold it at 3,000 RPMs for about 30-60 secs it settles down, runs and idles like the day it was born. It almost seems like it isn't getting any fuel. What would make it not want to start and run, but not effect its drivability once it is warm and running? I just replaced the O2 Sensor, Adjusted the idle etc.

The problem is worse the colder it is outside. If the temp is over 50 Degrees, then it starts much easier, but still not like it should. If the temp is below 30 Degrees(Like right now), it seems like it will never fire. Help, it's getting harder to start all the time and it's starting to **** me off. Like I said earlier, it runs perfectly once I finally getting running...

Suspected problem areas:
1. Fuel Pump
2. Oil Injection System
3. Leaky or fouled Injectors(I doubt this, just had them cleaned)
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator

TurboIIRyan

do a compression test.

Amur_

Have you looked at your starter and its wiring connections? Are they clean? Have you tried replacing the starter for a newer one?

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Wouldn't poor compression cause other problems like excessive oil consumption, poor idle quality etc? I'm not experiencing any other problems like that and the car only has about 98,000 mile on with **** retentive maintenance records.

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The engine spins over fine, the starter isn't an issue I don't think. I also have a brand new Optima Gell Battery, so the starter is getting plenty of juice.

The car acts like it wants to start easily, as is spins over and cranks like it should, just seems to be getting no fuel or something.

TurboIIRyan

Couldn't hurt just to see. Low compression can be a cause of hard starting.

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I guess it would'nt be a bad idea. I'll check it as soon as it gets above freezing outside.

Amur_

See what kind of shape the connections at the starter are in...

jreynish

iTrader: (2)

Check the condition of your spark plugs I had a similar problem and replaced the spark plugs and it totally cleared up the start, Engine didn't even go throuhg a complete revolution before it cought.

felixwankel88

my engine im my fc now does the same thing and i have 95 psi compression, also mine has new plugs

DerangedHermit

That's exactly what mine does.

felixwankel88

hahah seems like a common prob lol

Madrx7racer

mine does the same......it's a TII....

TurboIIRyan

hmmm mine is tested at 110psi plus, and it fires within 2 seconds cold, and 1-2 when hot.

edit: this is a reman with 5,000 miles.

Madrx7racer

mine is a reman with 30K on it.

KillaKitiie

could be flooding.

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Don't laugh, but what could cause the flooding? Why more so when it's really cold outside?

Madrx7racer

bad injectors i think........blackplauge recommende me to get them cleaned......

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Hmmmm, I had mine Cleaned Last Summer while the car was having the Suspension and Transmission replaced. Maybe They didn't do a very great job on them.

What exactly is envolved with Cleaning Them? Is it something I can do myself? I assume it is more complicated than running a can of BG 44K through a 1/2 tank of gas...

jhammons01

yea right!! The motor spins freely with the starter for 30 to 45 seconds before it try to catch. Then you have to go through this procedure two more times......must be the starter.

Sorry, I am just being a smart ***.

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I'm sure it isn't the starter. I checked it out tonight. The starter engages and spins the motor just fine. THe connections are tight and corrosion free, and it's reading 12.7 Volts just as it should. Even the Tach wiggles when I crank it. I know it isn't the starter. Although, with as much cranking as it takes to get it running, I'm well on my way to burning it up...

KillaKitiie

two days my car didnt start i had too take out my plugs and they were soaked i might have left the fuel pump switch on but i douht i did.check it out ..

mcnannay

i wouldn't be suprised if your injectors leak, you do realize that the fuel system on our cars never depressurizes. So the injectors have to hold up the 40psi or so of fuel pressure all night (can't exactly remember what psi its left at).

Ive researched this issue a lot on the forums, it bugs me that mazda didn't employ a system to depressurize the fuel rails once the car is shut off. Have you checked your spark, weak spark was the problem on my fb when i had trouble a couple of weeks ago. Timing could also be an issue