jetlude

iTrader: (9)

Just got through with a fresh rebuild and I did get it started with out much prob. The engine has about 5miles on it since. I have been having a starting problem which I never experienced before. The engine will only catch the moment I release the starter. If i crankit over, it will attempt to start but will never fully catch until I release the key/starter. When it does catch its instantanoius,not one rotor then the other. This leads me to think that its not related to low compression. If I crank it for 5 minutes straight it will intermittently fire, the moment i release the key it runs.

I was thinking voltage drop across the ignition system, or the tune in those cells around the cranking area. I did adjust them but no improvement. I have been running this same map for a while before rebuild without problems.

I know there are lots of experienced persons on this areaof the site.

Any ideas?

13BREW
large street port
Haltech e8

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Is the Haltech reading a tach signal while cranking? Is the fuel pump on while cranking?

AMRX7

You probably need to add more fuel to your starting routine. When you are releasing the key and voltage drops the injectors will stay open longer, and that's when it is catching. But it sounds like you've tried that already.

-Andy

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

Interesting points, I did log one of these hard starts and there is rpm reading between 200 - 250 There will be spikes of 300 and I guess this is when it attempts to start. I will check the fuel pump and pressure when cranking.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Also, what is your ignition timing while cranking and have you verified spark?

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

I have not been back on it as yet, but what I did notice about two days ago is that sometimes I did not get a strobe frome the timing light but I did get spark .And some times the timing does seem to be 180* out and other times timing is on target. These test were all done while cranking without any changes to the tune.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

what is the voltage @ the haltech during cranking? if it drops too low the ECU will shut down....

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

At first hit of the starter the voltage drops to 7.5v then will rise to a 9.7 - 10.1 while as it attempts to start.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

might be too low.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

With the engine running, have you verified no timing drift with the light? Set timing to -5L -20T across the entire map. The mark should line up with the light and when you slowly rev it the mark should stay in place.

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the reply, I will check on this tomorrow. If it does drift what does that mean and what js the cause?

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Something with your trigger angle settings will probably have to be adjusted. I am not a Haltech expert so I would search through the Haltech section. BDC, C. Ludwig, and fritts are the real gurus for this kind of stuff in the Haltech section. I searched "timing drift" and found a few threads, but you could also start your own thread if you get stuck. There is an actual "lock timing" setting under ignition setup menu that might be easier to use for checking timing drift.

I'd verify the fuel pump is running first though. But it is important that your ignition is set up accurately or you could have timing problems and possible detonation.

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

You did ask about cranking timing, what should it be about? Its presently at 10BTDC.

The fuel pump does run during cranking and pressure is ~ 41psi

arghx

iTrader: (3)

10 BTDC is fine, although a lot of engines tend to start faster at 15 or 20 degrees. But if there is some other underlying issue going on here that's not going to help.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

the FSM's all say the cranking timing is 5btdc, but in my experience 10 is fine

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

Hello all, I was able to solve the problem. It turned out had the cas ground from the ecu wired to chassis ground instead of the ground on the cas sensor. I discovered it after I decided to go over my wiring. The thing about it is, even with the wrong wireing, once the car started, it ran flawlessly. Thanks for your inputs.

I now have a different problem, timing drift. I have the timing zeroed, and I am getting a slow drift towards retard as I rev with the timing locked. Perhaps 1* per 1000rpm.

Suggestions welcome.