another cold weather question

[PELICAN]

Howdy, well I left work last night about 1:00 in the morning and it was in the 30's temperature wise. I got in my truck and she would not start. The battery is good I could hear the starter trying but she just would not crank over. After about 5 minutes of me turning the key and holding it for about 30 seconds and then letting off she finnally started. What could be a few things that I should look at so she will start on the first try when the temp is below 40. I really did not think below 40 degress was that bad but this is the second time this has happened. thanks for the help

[dewfpo]

If the engine's not cranking over and it only happens when it's cold I would STRONGLY suspect your battery. Have it checked. Most Autozone type stores will test it for free while still in your vehicle.

 

DEWFPO

[PELICAN]

Well my problem was with the battery. I had a guy from Autozone and QwikKar check my battery yesterday and they both said it was good and probably a fuel problem. When they checked it it was around 50 degrees which is why it probably tested good. This afternoon it was in the 30's when I left for work. The truck was doing the same thing so I went to Walmart and they check the battery and said that it needed to be replaced.

[LogixRat]

I agree about the battery. And while not free, they are relatively inexpensive. Worth the extra $$$ to ensure you don't get stranded in BFE w/o juice to start the vehicle, keep warm and get home.

[PELICAN]

 

I stand corrected. I have a new battery, when it gets under 40 degress and the truck sits for about four to five hours the truck still does not want to start. I added some HEET additive to the gas yesterday before going to work but it still took several tries before it started. tonight I went out and started the truck up and it started on the third try. I let ran for about 20 minutes so hopefully it will start when I get off work.

[BRZ71]

Change your fuel filter too, while you are at it!

[PELICAN]

Once again I am having the same problem, it was 36 degrees when I left work and it took several tries before the truck would start. When it happened in December I replaced the battery, flushed the radiator changed the fuel filter and one other thing that got cleaned but can't remeber exactly what it was now. The truck has to sit for atleast four hours before it does not want to start. Could this problem be caused by the fuel pump? I can hear it engage when you turn the key. The voltage reading on the battery is good when I go to start the truck but nothing happens until after doing it several times. Any suggestions on what might be the problem?

[mmmikkke]

Try to give it 30 seconds or 60 seconds maybe even, of fuel pump time before you even begin to engage the starter. You know the fuel pump sound, so if it turns off, cycle the key so it turns on again.

 

I've heard of some fuel problems that had to do with a check valve at the engine that is not working properly which allows the fuel to drain back to the tank. This test will tell you if that is what has happened.

[itasca]

In your first post you stated that the engine would not crank over. Is this still the case?

 

Or did you mean to say that the engine cranks over, but it does not fire.

 

When someone says that their engine is "cranking over" it usually implies that the starter is engaged and spinning the crankshaft.

 

If when you hit the ignition switch all you hear is a clicking sound, nothing at all, or if the engine is cranking over too slow when it is cold, then you have an electrical problem in your starting circuit. If this is the case, and you have already replaced the battery and still have the cold weather starting problem, you'll need to then look at the possibility of a bad starter or starter drive, or loose or corroded cables.

 

If the engine does indeed crank over but does not fire, then you have to start looking at other things such as fuel or ignition problems.