Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I've owned a Toyota Camry 1991 4 cyl for almost 5 years. Hot or very cold, it would start on the first crank. I took it in for a major tune up this past September. I noticed that as the weather turned colder it became harder to start. If the weather was about 40 degree F it would start immediately; if 20 degrees it would take around 3 cranks; if 10 degrees, about 8 cranks.

During the past week, the battery has been replaced, timing belt, thermostat, water pump; related seals have been replaced (all as part of normal preventative repairs). And yet, when the weather is very cold, it still takes multiple cranks to get it started. Before it starts, the cranks do not cause a partial start (sputter) until the one where it starts up, sputters a bit and then stays running.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,

Nick


ANSWER: Its a common problem due to the cold.The fuel in your EVAP system is mostly what starts your car initially and this vapour will almost freeze when very cold so it will rely on the fuel from the system and it takes a bit longer to get into the cylinders.When extremely cold,i have seen people use a small block heater which attachs to the sump and heats the engine overnight.I have also seen that if you cover your engine with an old blanket,this works very well also.You are the 4 th person this week with the same problem so theres nothing wrong with your car its the cold.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for getting back so quickly. I have one last question... why didn't I have this problem the past 4 winters? The problem developed right after a major tune-up this past September.

Thank you once again.

Nick

Answer
Did you change the fuel filter when you had the tune up done?I would also check the fuel pressure and have the injection system cleaned,adding cleaner to the tank may help.Dont forget,your engine is 4 years older too.All the start up sensors are older also such as the MAF,O2 sensors which should be changed around 100k.Make sure all vacuum hoses are tight and not cracked and a new PCV valve may help.Did you ever have a compression test done?.This engine should read 180psi across all cylinders and as time goes by,the valves wear and need reseated