Cold Starting Problem

[Ojai911]

My 87 Carrera has recently developed a problem cold starting. It always starts but it takes 20 seconds or so of cranking. Is this likely to be fuel filter or head temp sensor?
Thanks!
P.S. It starts fine from warm.

[thumbdoctor]

Try searching CIS and do some reading. You stated likelihood of fuel filter...do you know when it was last changed (with Ethanol laced gasoline, I replace mine yearly). Sounds suspiciously like cold start injector system. You will need to check for thermo time switch circuit and voltage / ground at the cold start injector while an assistant cranks the engine.

[Don Ivey]

'87 doesn't have CIS. Check the relay under the driver's seat. You should always carry a spare anyway, so time to get one. If not that, sensor may be bad, as you suggested.

[Ojai911]

Thanks, Don. The relay under the seat appears to have done the trick! It never failed to start but would take sometimes 20+ seconds of cranking to finally fire.