Hard Starting ... Especially In The Cold

mints33 · December 15, 2008

Ok, now that it's in the negative temp wise, the ole' truck doesn't want to start. I turn the key to the on position, and hear the pump going for a few secs, wait for it to stop before turning the key. A few times, I tried priming it first, turning the key to the on position, then off a few times before trying to start her, but no help. Doesn't sound like the engine's turning over. Anyhow, I haven't had a chance to check the fuel pressure yet, hopefully in a few days. If I give it some gas, then she turns over, but doesn't always start on the first try. Give it some more gas, then she will start, and she runs a little rough the first few secs. I recently put her back together after an intake manifold gasket replacement, so she's clean of carbon, at least in the intake. I also swapped the injections.

Plugs and wires, rotor and cap were all replaced in October, or early Nov. Fuel filter was replaced in the fall.

Could it be lacking fuel pressure?? It started in the fall when temps fell below 30, but once she was warmed up, there were no issues w/ starting. But now w/ the excessive cold, it's getting worse. As long as I don't let her sit very long, she will start right back up. But after she's cooled down, that's when she becomes ill.

Oh, forgot to mention, the TB was cleaned, along w/ the IAC. There's slight carbon on the IAC valve, but it's mostly cleaned off, I only used a rag to wipe her clean. Would the IAC or TPS have anything to do w/ this?

There are no codes and no MIL.