Starting fluid injection?

[ExhaustTech]

We have a 1996 K-2500 shop truck with a 350 Vortec. It has always started hard during the firsat start of the day. Sometimes we had to give it a shot of starting fluid and it will fire right up. After it starts it runs fine and will start right back up anytime. I did a fuel pressure test it holds and will not drop even overnight. This to me would rule out a regulator. I put in a new battery and it helped alot, in fact it would start without any chemical assistance until the latest cold snap. Also, I installed a new fuel filter. I scanned it also no codes, no misfires or anything wierd. So has anyone ran into a cold start problem like this? If so what should I do about it. The boss says we cant put a plow on it until it starts every time.

Thanks a million!

[99-2door]

NEVER use starting fluid on a electronically fuel injected engine. You risk damaging sensitive components in the intake stream such as the MAF sensor, and even the fuel injection system.

 

That being said, assuming your Ignition system and fuel system are operating normally (new fuel filter? clean injectors? good cap, rotor, plugs and wires?) you may need to check your coolant temperature sensor. It could be sending an erroneous signal while still being within limits to not set a code. If you have the tools, check you injector cycles to see how cold/warm start affects the cycle.