SC cold start issue

[fritzgator]

So a couple of weeks ago i go to take the gal for a spin, and she just cranks. i lift the sensor plate to check for fuel and she cranks right up.Fast forward to next cold start, just cranks,and this time i lift the sensor plate, WITHOUT key on and she fires right up again. after first start of the day, it's fine. any suggestions out there?Sensor plate adjustment maybe? Now that Gustav has passed and we got power back last night, time to move on to more pressing matters.

[Paulporsche]

If you search you will find quite a bit of info regarding poor cold starting in SCs. Quite often it is down to poor ignition system quality producing a poor spark, or a faulty WUR producing a too high cold control pressure. There are other possible causes, incl bad battery, faulty thermotime switch or cold start valve.

The fact that you state that the engine can start w/o the key suggests checking the ignition switch and wiring to the fuel pump.

[fritzgator]

Thanks Paul. What i meant was, that i raised the sensor plate without the key on, to indicate that it MIGHT be a sensor plate adj. issue, as there wouldn't be any fuel flowing w/ key in off position. Battery, Good. Braided Beru wires,rotor& cap 1 1/2 years w/4000 miles. Will research WUR, thermotime switch (can't recall reading anything about one on my 83?) and the CSV.

[ossiblue]

It does get kind of confusing when people have different meanings for terms like "crank" and "turn over" but your last post cleared things up. To me (no expert) it does sound like you could have a sensor plate issue--possibly set too low or maybe hanging up a bit in the down position. Does it move smoothly when you lift it? The thing that doesn't seem to fit a sensor plate problem is that your car starts easily the rest of the day. Perhaps if the plate sits for an extended period--say overnight--then the eventual settling, cooling of metal and clearance changes causes the plate to hang up a bit. Just a thought, keep us informed of your progress and/or new symptoms.

[Paulporsche]

OK, got it now. Once you are sure your ignition components are good, check for air leaks, and get a gauge on the fuel line to check your cfuel pressures, especially your cold control pressure. You should also get a copy of the Bentley manual and check out Jim Williams' website on CIS.