tom_kauf wrote:Now that I'm on E85, I'm surprised at how long it takes to cold start. I know it's a common issue, but 'cold' to me meant winter temperatures, which we rarely get in North QLD.
Does everyone else's car take 5-6 cranks (rotations of the engine with the starter on) before it starts, at temperatures of around 20-25deg?
On 98 it was always 3 cranks from cold. Warm starts are perfect on E85 - always 3 cranks or less. Priming the pump a few times (Ignition to On, then off, then On again) makes no difference to E85 cold starts.
Yes, starting when the engine has lost all its temperature takes longer.
You need to get some vapourised fuel into the cylinders, and with E85, vapourisation is more of a challenge due to the cooling effect of the ethanol.
Tom. this is what I do......
Turn on key and listen and wait to hear the fuel pump complete is priming cycle.
Crank key momentarily, then stop cranking.
Wait until you count to three.
Crank engine and start.
This does not eliminate the long crank, it just reduces it somewhat.
If that does not excite you, then wind down the driver's window, take some deep breaths and enjoy the smell?
Cheers!