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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: k on July 10, 2011, 05:19:27 PM

Title: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 10, 2011, 05:19:27 PM
My Jeep is having a problem running when "cold".  It will start and sound good while not under load, but a soon as you put into drive (automatic) and apply the pedal, it will cough, misfire and even backfire.  Tried looking on line and at other posts for similair problems, but here is the kicker.  Unlike most that seem to start fine and develop problems as they warm up, mine clears up when it warms up.  There does appear to be a hesitation, but not at all what it does when cold.  Some other info, there does appear to be a small exhaust leak that quites down once it warms up also. 

What I have done so far...
1) Seafoam in the tank, crank case (30 miles then changed oil), and through a vacuum line, per directions.
2) Replaced IAS.  Thought it might be dirty.  Took it out and it came out in pieces (Backfire?).
3) Replaced plugs, some looked better than others.
4) Purchased compression tester, but have not gone through the paces yet.  Hopefully on the next day off.

Recent mods?
1) 4.o throttle body and spacer.
2) 19# injectors.
3) Sharp's adjustable FPR (Checked pressure.  It's good.)

Last item went in after Christmas, and the problem just started within the last month.  I have heard theories from MAP sensor to a bad lifter.  Any ideas? :puzzled:













Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: grumpygy on July 10, 2011, 06:43:12 PM
Vaccum leak that seals up when it warms up.  Look at the areas you worked on.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 10, 2011, 09:12:00 PM
Checked before, but will look in some less obvious areas.  Also might try spaying some throttle body cleaner around the vacuum connections to see if it causes a change in the RPM.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 10, 2011, 09:14:34 PM
Vaccum leak that seals up when it warms up.  Look at the areas you worked on.

vacuum leak won't make a difference unless it's on the MAP line.

My Jeep is having a problem running when "cold".  It will start and sound good while not under load, but a soon as you put into drive (automatic) and apply the pedal, it will cough, misfire and even backfire.  Tried looking on line and at other posts for similair problems, but here is the kicker.  Unlike most that seem to start fine and develop problems as they warm up, mine clears up when it warms up.  There does appear to be a hesitation, but not at all what it does when cold.  Some other info, there does appear to be a small exhaust leak that quites down once it warms up also. 

What I have done so far...
1) Seafoam in the tank, crank case (30 miles then changed oil), and through a vacuum line, per directions.
2) Replaced IAS.  Thought it might be dirty.  Took it out and it came out in pieces (Backfire?).
3) Replaced plugs, some looked better than others.
4) Purchased compression tester, but have not gone through the paces yet.  Hopefully on the next day off.

Recent mods?
1) 4.o throttle body and spacer.
2) 19# injectors.
3) Sharp's adjustable FPR (Checked pressure.  It's good.)

Last item went in after Christmas, and the problem just started within the last month.  I have heard theories from MAP sensor to a bad lifter.  Any ideas? :puzzled:


i can think of tps, temp sensor or even O2 sensor, but it's all guessing.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 10, 2011, 09:25:50 PM
i can think of tps, temp sensor or even O2 sensor, but it's all guessing.
[/quote]

thought about the O2, but doesn't the ECM use information from that only after it warms up?  Not sure when the temp sensor falls into play, I think it lets the ECM know when to go from Open Loop to Closed Loop (right order?).  That might leave the tps and MAP sensors as likely culprits if it is sensor related.  I really hope that it is not a lifter.  Want to install the roller rockers and planned on replacing all the lifters then, just don't have the dough yet.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 10, 2011, 09:33:50 PM
i can think of tps, temp sensor or even O2 sensor, but it's all guessing.


thought about the O2, but doesn't the ECM use information from that only after it warms up?  Not sure when the temp sensor falls into play, I think it lets the ECM know when to go from Open Loop to Closed Loop (right order?).  That might leave the tps and MAP sensors as likely culprits if it is sensor related.  I really hope that it is not a lifter.  Want to install the roller rockers and planned on replacing all the lifters then, just don't have the dough yet.

if it was a lifter or a cam lobe you'd have that problem when warm as well and you'd be also hearing it.

ECM uses the o2 feedback once the O2 sensor is heated (warmed up) and not when the engine is warm - that is about 60 to 90 seconds from starting the engine.

the temp sensor would tell the ECM what mixture to target when cold (or warm), too lean and you'd be sputtering.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 10, 2011, 09:37:36 PM
if it was a lifter or a cam lobe you'd have that problem when warm as well and you'd be also hearing it.

ECM uses the o2 feedback once the O2 sensor is heated (warmed up) and not when the engine is warm - that is about 60 to 90 seconds from starting the engine.

the temp sensor would tell the ECM what mixture to target when cold (or warm), too lean and you'd be sputtering.

Wouldn't the O2 sensor bring on a code?  (It does on my Ford anyway) CEL is not light, and does work.  It did go off earlier when I disconnected the vacuum to the MAP sensor.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 10, 2011, 09:44:24 PM
CEL is not light,
sorry, I meant lit
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 11, 2011, 05:41:17 PM
Compression test completed, done cold relatively speaking (about 100* here today):
1st run                  2nd run
1) 150 psi              150 psi
2) 150 psi              155 psi
3) 140 psi              150 psi
4) 150 psi              150 psi

not bad.
Number 3 plug didn't look too good, and I had just replaced them.  Pulled distributor cap, and number 3 pin was not worn the same as the others...hum.
Performance Distributors cap and rotor on order. (Already run a Jacobs Coil and wires)
Unplugged MAP sensor and it actually ran better until it got into operating temp range, but will look at that more after replacing the cap and rotor.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: Torch_Ind on July 11, 2011, 06:46:29 PM
can you get access to a scan tool to see what your sensors are saying when cold? 
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 11, 2011, 06:55:40 PM
can you get access to a scan tool to see what your sensors are saying when cold? 
closest thing I have is an Autozone.  I know they can pull codes, but don't know if they can scan.  Defeats the purpose though, unless they will let me take it home, it will be too warm when I get there!   :brick:  Can't have a normal problem that acts up when warm!
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 11, 2011, 07:04:10 PM
try this (PCM temp sensor is on the thermostat housing)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/sharpxmen/Misc/coolanttempsensorchart.jpg)


ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TEST
To perform a complete test of the engine coolant
temperature sensor and its circuitry, refer to DRB
scan tool and appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics
Procedures manual. To test the sensor only, refer to
the following:
Disconnect wire harness connector from engine
coolant temperature sensor (Fig. 33).
Test the resistance of the sensor with a high input
impedance (digital) volt-ohmmeter. The resistance
should be less than 1000 ohms with the engine at its
correct operating temperature. Refer to the Coolant
Temperature Sensor/Manifold Air Temperature Sensor
resistance chart. Replace the sensor if it is not
within the range of resistance specified in the chart.
Test continuity of the wire harness. Do this between
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) wire
harness connector terminal-2 and the sensor connector
terminal. Also test continuity of wire harness terminal-
4 to the sensor connector terminal. Repair the
wire harness if an open circuit is indicated.


Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 11, 2011, 07:23:09 PM
Sharp,

try this (PCM temp sensor is on the thermostat housing)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/sharpxmen/Misc/coolanttempsensorchart.jpg)


I will need to get a volt meter.  I was in constuction before, my auto tools are limited to wrenches and sockets mostly...

In the mean time, here is a pic of the plugs...
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 11, 2011, 07:26:08 PM
opps.  let's try the pic again...
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: Torch_Ind on July 11, 2011, 07:48:58 PM
opps.  let's try the pic again...

wow 3 of them look like they got way to hot. discolored and warped ends

try the old plugs again maybe you got bad ones
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 11, 2011, 08:11:48 PM
Sharp,

I will need to get a volt meter.  I was in constuction before, my auto tools are limited to wrenches and sockets mostly...

you should have one anyway, it's about $10 for a digital one which would do the job

as far as the plugs go, what gap are you running there, seems a bit big (from the picture)
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 11, 2011, 09:20:20 PM
you should have one anyway, it's about $10 for a digital one which would do the job

as far as the plugs go, what gap are you running there, seems a bit big (from the picture)

.050 t0 .055    Jacobs recommended up to .065 when I installed the system years ago.  Never had a problem with it and the old plugs have been in the Jeep since 2003 or longer... too bad Jacobs isn't around anymore, though I am hearing good things about Performance Distributors.  You just don't want to shock yourself.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 11, 2011, 09:25:47 PM
wow 3 of them look like they got way to hot. discolored and warped ends

try the old plugs again maybe you got bad ones

might not have gotten the right ones either...  supposed to use plain copper plugs; the system is too hot for plantiums or iridiums.  These might not have been just copper...
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 12, 2011, 04:55:42 PM
try this (PCM temp sensor is on the thermostat housing)
came up with 1300 - 1315, which I guess checks out as I have a 180* thermostat.  Might change it out back to stock temp though.  Also, replaced the cap with one that has brass terminals (old one was aliuminum and showed some weird wear patterns), and a new rotor to go with it.  Seams to run a lot better.  I will let it cool down again and take it out in the morning.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 12, 2011, 08:00:24 PM
came up with 1300 - 1315, which I guess checks out as I have a 180* thermostat.  Might change it out back to stock temp though.  Also, replaced the cap with one that has brass terminals (old one was aliuminum and showed some weird wear patterns), and a new rotor to go with it.  Seams to run a lot better.  I will let it cool down again and take it out in the morning.


you should check the impedance at cold as well (or at the engine temperature you experience the issue - that's where you want to make sure is within specs).
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 17, 2011, 03:28:57 PM
K.I.S.S. principle was in effect.  No. 3 plug looked worse than the rest when I did a compression check, so I popped the cap and had a look in there.  Both the # 3 terminal an rotor were heavily pitted.  A new cap and rotor later, and we are running strong again.  Think I found the core of the problem, versus trying to fix all the symtoms that kept popping up. :thumb:  Thanks for the ideas and help!
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 17, 2011, 05:46:27 PM
glad you figured it out but
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 18, 2011, 10:40:26 AM
glad you figured it out but

but?  That sounds like a loaded statement ;)
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: sharpxmen on July 18, 2011, 11:22:57 AM
but?  That sounds like a loaded statement ;)

hmm, 1/2 my post went away

It should have read - but this sounds like something that should have been "visible" when warm as well, hope there's nothing else hidden.
Title: Re: Not running good when cold
Post by: k on July 18, 2011, 04:25:42 PM
hmm, 1/2 my post went away

It should have read - but this sounds like something that should have been "visible" when warm as well, hope there's nothing else hidden.

The old cap had aluminum terminals.  From what I know of aluminum, it can expand and contract a bit as it heats and cools.  Once warm, it might have been just enough for the Jacobs Ignition to still jump the gap, which would also explain part of the loss of power once it did warm up.  (it wasn't backfiring or spitting once warm, but you could notice a loss of power.)  I will just have to keep an eye on it for now. :thumb: