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engine vs cold

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Old 14-Jan-2009, 07:51 PM
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engine vs cold

hey guys

last 2 days i had trouble gettin my car started, is it possible air is too cold. i have a short ram intake on.

thanks
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Old 14-Jan-2009, 09:54 PM
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What is the oil in your engine. Because the ticker the oil, the harder it is to start on colder days.
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Old 14-Jan-2009, 09:59 PM
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There is no such thing as the air being too cold for your engine. Engines LOVE to ingest cold air, the colder the better. Colder air is more dense thus makes more power. But unfortunately also burns more fuel proportionally. Thats why you get worse fuel mileage in the winter.

Could be 2 things:

#1, You need an oil that can stay viscous in the colder temps. What type of oil are you using? Some oils go like molasses at these low temps and can't flow to where it needs to be very easily. So check the oil and replace if necessary with a type weighted for lower temps.

Another reason to use synthetic as they perform better in all extreme temps.

#2, The other reason could be your battery is toast. This was the case with my wifes car.

When was the last time you replaced the battery?

Last edited by MPR; 14-Jan-2009 at 10:11 PM.
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Old 14-Jan-2009, 10:05 PM
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Replace battery
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Old 14-Jan-2009, 10:52 PM
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i put synthetic in mine and it starts like nothing....really didnt expect to see a difference
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Old 14-Jan-2009, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by civicEJ1
i put synthetic in mine and it starts like nothing....really didnt expect to see a difference
You get what you pay for eh...

Synthetic really is that much better, but nobody listens...
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 02:12 AM
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Build a heated garage.
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 06:58 AM
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haha ya i wish i could have a garage for my car. im using 5w 30, the battery is fine. she turns over no problem its just getting the fuel to catch. mayb spark plugs.
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 07:54 AM
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I think I'm still running 10w30 dino.

Still starts fine.
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 05:27 PM
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I disagee about the oil being the main issue
I used to never change my oil in my beater and used whatever I had, be it 5W or 10W ... my car started fine all the time...

im not saying syn is not better, it is, but not for starting your car

its more likely your battery as Polkaroo Killa already mentioned
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 07:32 PM
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Well, he hasn't actually described the problem he's having, so it's hard to suggest a definitive cause.

Is it that the engine refuses to turn over at all when you turn the key to start it? Probably weak battery.

Turns over very slowly? Probably weak battery and/or oil too thick. Running straight 50W in winter can be problematic, but even a 10W30 or 10W40 dino oil shouldn't cause grief with recent temperatures if your car is in decent tuned condition.

Turns over reasonably fast but the engine won't catch? Possible problems with your ignition or fuel system, weak spark, bad fuel...
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 07:37 PM
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I'm using 10W40 dino oil and my car starts on the first crank.

Like FiveO said, without a proper explanaition of the problem, suggesting a possible cause will be difficult.
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 07:55 PM
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its turns over no problem, just like normal. it just takes about 10 tries for it to catch now mayb it is the wires or plugs. but once she starts, it runs fine. could the coldness have cracked my rail or injector. oh im goin to check it now
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Old 15-Jan-2009, 09:07 PM
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during these past days i turn my key and i hold it there for like 2 seconds than it cranks feels like its not going to start and this morning i let go of the clutch and it stalled on me in neutral 5w30 non synthic doesnt really phase me though lmfao
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Old 17-Jan-2009, 10:37 AM
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When the temperature outside is -20, I think any car could have a problem starting. Even my 07 takes a few extra seconds to start when it's been sitting outside all night.
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Old 17-Jan-2009, 01:38 PM
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My car starts up right away with little to no hesitation the first time everytime. It was parked at -20 for 1 week where I was and it started like a champ! I use syn oil.
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Old 17-Jan-2009, 02:34 PM
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My STI starts no problem even if its -30
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Old 17-Jan-2009, 03:54 PM
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cold start sensor plugged in? or not corroded?
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Old 17-Jan-2009, 03:54 PM
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cold start sensor plugged in? or not corroded?
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Old 17-Jan-2009, 03:55 PM
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cold start sensor plugged in? or not corroded?
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