Hard start when engine cold.

[svoman2300]

Well I fixed the other sputter problem I had and now I have a another problem. When I start the car when it is cold it will start and die immediately. I have to start it about 4 times before it will stay running and then it will sputter and I have to goose the pedal to clear it up but once its warm it will start right up. There is no drivability issue except when changing gears under normal driving it will stumble for a split second. I have checked all voltage readings at the computer and everything electrical checks out. Any ideas? Later, I'm going to go take it for a drive and beat on it.

[GAboySVO]

What is the curent state of tune. I know that when my 86 starts not cranking immediately, it is time for some new plugs at a minimum.

The other thing to consider is the ECT. I believe this is the sensor that the eec uses to correct gas delivery when cold. I also read somewhere that the EGR valve allows hot air from the exhaust in the intake to improve fuel ingintion. Kinda like the old tubes that used to lead from the exhaust to the air cleaner on the carbed engines.

[TURBO-TOM]

Check your fuel pressure

This is how mine was acting before I replaced my fuel pump.

[svoman2300]

If some of you guys remember this car was sitting for about 12-13 years. I replaced everything. New 255lph pump, kirban ( adjusted at 39 hose out),all Motorcraft parts (plugs,wires, cap, rotor, pcv), all new sensors( these are not motorcraft).Only has about 2,000 miles since putting back on the road. The plugs look perfect, nice and light tan. The only code I get is for the VAM voltage out of range, but I checked it and everything else and it seems to be operating properly. Maybe I'll try to locate a VAM and try that. But once it is warmed up it starts normally.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

If you unplug the VAM and try starting it up, the ECU will detect the VAM error, select a pre-set value, and the engine should start right up if the VAM was the problem.

[svoman2300]

Unplugged VAM still wouldn't start properly. However with the VAM unplugged the fuel pump relay was clicking like a SOB. Could this be a sign of something malfunctioning.?

[svoman2300]

While doing some searching I found out the PIP lets the fuel pump know when to turn on after intial prime, correct me if I'm wrong. Could there be a problem with the PIP and can I test it?

[venomizd93]

The ignition module on the distributor.....how old is it???? I believe is prone to problems.

[svoman2300]

Well before I started throwing parts at it I decide to swap out the distributor with another one I had. When I took off the cap I noticed oil all around then I seen the gaping hole in the pcv hose going to the seperator. Replaced with another dry and brittle one I had and it seems to be fixed. It ran great. I took out the ranger roller last week and put in an A237 and what a difference.