Hard to cold start

Tiny
AROHL
  • MEMBER
  • PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
I own a 1994 Plymouth Voyager SE.

A front wheel drive 3.0 L V6 with Automatic overdrive transmision. It has 170, 000 Km or just over 100, 000 miles (original).

History:

1 - it sat for about 5 years
2 - in 2002, it was started and ran well for until last year
3 - in 2005, the A/C compressor seized on us, no more A/C
4 - in summer 2006, the fuel pump went and replaced, along with the inline filter by the chasis
5 - in late 2006, cold starting is started to be a challenge until now it just juggles and dies. Now it sat in the garage. When it starts, it would run fine when it is warm.
6 - 3 experienced mechanics tried to solve this problem with no answer
7 - sympstoms: starts & putt-putt-putt & dies with NO ENGINE CODES!
8 - things that has been replaced - distributor cap, rotor, whole distributor, water temp sensor, all spark plugs, all ignition wires, air filter, pvc valve filter, engine computer (twice)
9 - things has been checked - no engine code, fuel pressure at 45

Could the fuel flow be questionable even the pressure checked out good?

I am thinking of changing the fuel pump. Would this be worth a try? The other mechanics think not.

I've spent quite a bit of money and time. I asked another mechanic for his opnions and he jokingly tld me that there is one thing that I haven't changed. I asked what it is. He said the Van itself.

Do you have any idea?

Help,
Arohl
Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 AT 12:15 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
I would recheck the fuel pressure again and pull the vacuum hose at the pressure regulator you see fuel in it -bad regulator.

Do the pressure check KOEO and KOER
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Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 AT 5:05 AM
Tiny
AROHL
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Where would I find the fuel regulator? Can you describe the look or approximate location?

If you have a picture that would be handy. Thx.
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Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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A 2.5 has TBI- yours must be a MFPI system find the fuel rail its attached to it. Or the fuel line follow it will lead you to it. It looks likes a small canister with a vacuum hose.
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Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
AROHL
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OK, I will look into it this week. Thx!
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Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
AROHL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I replaced the fuel pump, filter and pressure regulator.

The car now starts but still a rough start.

It takes a few starts before it gets going. That's with my foot to the floor.

I also noticed the Automatic Transmission Fluid is low. I put in 2 liters and still need more.

Could this fluid leak into the engine and cause this starting problem?

Where should I go next?

Thanks,
Arohl
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 AT 12:21 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Test the coolant temperature sensor/idle air control motor and throttle position sensor.
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 AT 3:28 AM
Tiny
AROHL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I've changed the following:

- Coolant temp sensor
- Distributor assmebly
- Cap & rotor
- Ignition wire set
- All spark plugs
- Air filter
- PVC filter
- Fuel pump
- Fuel filter
- Fuel pressure regulator
- PCM

What do the Idle air control motor and throttle position sensor look like and where are they located?
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Thursday, March 20th, 2008 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Idle air control motor and the throttle position sensor-See below


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_IAC_motor_and_TPS_1.jpg

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Friday, March 21st, 2008 AT 4:50 AM
Tiny
AROHL
  • MEMBER
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Thanks for the picture!

What kind of testing should I do?

Continuety test?

Resistance test?

Voltage test?
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Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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You can perform all 3 of them.
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Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 AT 6:17 AM
Tiny
FINERO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
If we are talking about a flutuating (sp) idle only when cold I just took care of it. This had been going on for months. Changed the cat converter, problem gone. Think about it >> restricted exhaust that loosens up with warm engine. Cat was old so had everything to gain even if it wasn't the problem Who would think cat converter on an idle problem? Must have something to do with back pressure due to restricted exhaust that loosens up when warm.
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Saturday, March 17th, 2018 AT 5:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Hmm, that is strange a catalytic converter issue usually shows up under power.

We learn something new everyday here at 2Carpros

Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, March 19th, 2018 AT 12:25 PM

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