Cold start wiring question - I need help!!!

[wolfturbo]

I recently had to remove the CD box on my '75 Euro. When I got everything put back together, I noticed that my car is now very difficult to start. I have to crank it and crank it and crank it before it fires up.

I checked that the wire was connected to the top of the cold start switch on top of the fuel filter, which it was. I followed the wire and saw that it merges with another wire that is grounded to a bolt on the side of the engine compartment. These two wires are then wrapped together into a harness that is about 1 foot long.

Here's my problem: at the other end of this harness I have two wires with female spade connectors, but they aren't connected to anything. So my question is, where are the two male spade connectors that these two wires are supposed to be connected to?? I am hopeful that when these wires are reconnected that the car will once more start easily.

Anybody? Many thanks to all!

[Pat S]

On the US version there are two posibilities on a 2-female spade. Both can impact cold start.

1 is the microswitch on the throttle
the other is the thermo-time switch (not actually shown below.)

[Jim Richards]

For MFI like you have on your 75 Euro Carrera, the micro switch is on the left side of the left set of stacks.

[Pat S]

Oh yeah... forgot the Euro's weren't CIS

[azasadny]

How are you plugs and wires? Have you gapped the plugs recently, and if so, what did you set the gap to? Do you use the hand throttle when you're starting the car cold? Are you getting good spark at all six plugs? Are you getting good fuel flow? Have you checked the CIS pressures?

[wolfturbo]

The car has MFI, so I'm leaning towards a new set of plugs and hoping that sorts the problem out.

I'm also trickcle charging the battery, but I doubt that is the problem as the car starts easily when warm.

I also confirmed that the other two wire ends go into the wiring harness, so now I am going to try to test to see if the cold start switch itself is working. Hopefully I will make some progress this morning!

Rob

[304065]

Are you getting fuel into the base of the stacks? CAREFULLY pull off a line, put it in a soda bottle and crank. Fuel= no prob with cold-start.

[Early_S_Man]

wolf ...

On MFI engines, the Thermo-Time Switch is on top of the engine right next to the breather vent hose ... it screws into the oval casting. Take off the air cleaner housing and everything will be in full view along the engine centerline.

The connections to the switch are polarized and two different-sized Faston connectors are used ... very important to make the connections when all power is off. One side is the heating element coil, and the other is the switched ground for the cold-start solenoid, and you don't want to inadvertently touch the wrong wire to ground!!!

[Early_S_Man]

wolf,

I would suggest pulling out the Thermo-Time Switch, cleaning thoroughly with Brakleen or similar degreaser, and testing it with a multimeter before attempting to connect the loose wiring -- there may be a good reason for the disconnect.

The 'G' terminal is the heating element, and should measure 20 - 25 Ohms to the case ground.

The 'W' terminal is the switched ground, and should be open when the sensor is above 112°F.

[filou]

according to symptoms, it sounds like your cold start valve is not getting energized !!! Was the engine starting properly when cold before you did works to the car ??? You have good infos with past messages locating the different components of the CSV circuit.
The CSV should ONLY get energized during cold cranking and with hand throttle level pullled. it helps if you have a electrical diagram !!
Good luck, Phil.

[filou]

by the way, what color are those connectors that aren't conecting to anything ????? you said your worked on CD, assuming you only disconnect wires on the CD box, right ??? Now, you have 2 connectors that you don't remenber pulling out OR you find those 2 connectors not being connected to anything. I want to make sure that you pulled those wires but you don't remenber it OR you found those connectors by searching to the problem ????
Be more specific,
Truly, Phil.

Truly, Phil.

[wolfturbo]

Phil,

The two wires were not connected before I started messing with the CD box. Can't tell you what colors they are as I am at my office. I'm just speculating that they are for the rear wiper, as my car was originally spec'd with one but does not currently have a rear wiper.

Many thanks to all for this truly helpful input!

Rob

[filou]

i don't think you should not worry about those connectors then but you need to concentrate on your cold start problem. Unplug connector at cold start valve, connect a test light or voltmeter across the CSV connector, check and see the light or voltage indicating at least 11 V while somebody else crank engine during cold start condition. If nothing indicates voltage across CSV connector, look at wiring diagram and go upstream from CSV (before getting to CSV). You need a voltmeter or Ohmeter (to check continuity), either method work.
I don't think it is a big problem. Just pay attention to how the wires should be connected because you said everything worked fine BEFORE you did work on CD box !!!!
Good luck, Phil.
Good luck, Phil.