Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sean,
I own a 1993 Eagle Talon,1.8, 5 speed manual transmission which I just love to drive. However, the engine has gotten to where it doesn't want to start when cold. I thought at first it was the o2 sensor, only to find out it wasn't when I took it in to a local garage. When they tested it, they informed me that it was reading 155 degrees below zero. They also said it could be an electrical problem or that my computer was going bad. I have also heard how the 1.8 has three different sensors that deal with the temperature, that may be giving that type of reading;  I was also told to check the coil pack, which was replaced when this problem started as was the distributor; I was also told that it could be the fuel filter and or pump as well as the ignition module. I am wondering if you might have some suggestions concerning this. I hope that I explained this well enough and it doesn't make me sound like a total idiot, I am just getting so frustrated at not being able to enjoy my car.

ANSWER: Did anyone do a compression test?Its very unlikely a computor fault as the car runs ok when hot.Have the MAF sensor tested.155 degrees?I dont know what this means its non car related as i have never heard of this.When the car is cold its back to basics and forget all the possible maybes.If it has good fuel pressure and good spark it will start so one is missing.It can also be fuel/air mix.The latter is what i believe it is.This is  controlled by the computor, so,it also includes the MAF,,mass air flow sensor which is heated.A lot of start problems with injection systems are related to this.The compression test will tell you the rings/valves are ok.You dont say how many miles are on this engine.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sean,
I spoke to my brother, whom is working on my 1993 Eagle Talon, he said, that he went back to the basics, and found that my car is only giving off a light white spark, not a bright blue one. So my question is, is there a chance something in that used distributor is faulty? Or could this still be associated with the MAF Sensor?

Answer
I read some more of your car engine data.198000 miles is making me think it may be compression after all.This may be the cause of hard starting as the rings/valves lose compression when cold but when your engine is hot they expand and boost the compression where the engine starts easily.Im sorry the shop charged you money for nothing but i have been there with many people with the same story.Let me know if you require any more assistance and i will help all i can.Sometimes its maybe better to buy a used motor online from a breakers yard especially with the Eagle 4 cylinder which are pretty easy to find and wouldnt be too expensive.