Well, it was my towns first BIG blast of cold and snow today.

I also had a problem with the 4Runner. It was so cold it wouldn't start!

I have an almost brand new OEM ignition (plugs, wires, cap. rotor, coil and module) and good fuel preassure.

Asside from a block heater, what can I do? I'm going to switch to a lighter oil like 5-W30 but other than that, what could be broken, worn or wrong with my 4Runner that it simply won't start in the cold. i get plenty of long slow cranke, but it just won't turn over. I love the snow, but I hate the fact that my neighbors Kia Rio fires right up and I'm just sitting there cranking and running my Optima down.

Any ideas? Help...

Thanks,
Lamm

 

cold start injector might not be working properly.

if it's really that cold, a 5w30 or even a 0w30 type oil might be a good idea

 

How old is your battery. If its a newer red top you should be fine. If it's a yellow top then that could be your problemwith the long slow turnover. Bad gas, or water in the fuel system?

 

Putting some dry gas in the tank, maybe some injector cleaner- it sounds like you're turning her over okay, but not getting much of a spark for ignition. Maybe even running slightly higher octane fuel.

 

I had the same problem this morning, so your not alone. Just cleaned out the fuel system with some Seafoam, so it's not water. It just didn't want to run, it seemed like there wasn't any lubing going on. I am going to switch to some lighter weight oil if it's going to help. once it got going finnaly it was fine.

 

5W-30 Oil, good battery, good state of tune and it should always start
whether it's plugged in or not

 

My Optima is a red top, made in January 2001. It was damaged once (minor) and repaired with epoxy.

Bad gas, maybe. Both times this has happened I have had a full tank...
I think I'll dump in some Iso HEET.

As far as the cold start injector, that is kindof like a choke right. I would think that pumping the gas would solve the problem of it not working properly. Maybe?

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Lamm

 

Your 4runner is fuel injected, no choke, that is taken care of from the cold start injector. for fuel injected engines you shouldn't need to pump the throttle, in fact IM experience you don't want to pump it...

 

Hey Lamm,

I had this problem about a year ago and it turned out to be a cut cold start injector wire but I patched it up and it starts right up everytime now. And you're right about the CSI, all it does is add a little more fuel when the engine is cold to make it start up easier...if you need pics I can try and dig mine up, or I can go out and take some more.

Good luck man!

Fink

 

def maybe a cold start injector thingy

your truck shouldnt have a problem starting

in new england, last winter we had a week of below zero weather, never had a problem with my truck

 

i definitely remember that one!

my runner was brand new to me then, and i was loving it starting right up every morning when it was -5.

 

A pic or two would be awsome. God knows I have thrashed my 4Runner around so much, a cut/broken wire is a real posibility.

Thanks, and when are you gettin a winch Fink?

Lamm

 

I'll try and get some pics...its gettin dark now so it'll probably be tomorrow before I can get some.

The winch should be comin soon...keep your fingers crossed, donations are always welcome!

Fink

 

Are you using synthetic oil? One of its best benefits over conventional oil is use in temperature extremes. Don't know if synthetic will solve your cold weather starting problem, but it can only help.

 

I know when it's going to be real cold I try to park it in such a way it keeps the wind from blowing right into the grill. 8 hours of 30mph winds @ 10 below isn't good for anything. So that means I keep it off the street and park it tight to the garage or nose to nose with another one of my trucks

 

Whenever you get some time Fink, thanks.

I run a sythetic blend. I'm a little afraid that after 200,000 plus miles, a switch to synthetic will create some leaks.

Lamm

 

higher octane gas is harder to "set off" so i can't imagine that it would help in colder weather

 

Wind chill will not effect a none living thing, only true temperature will.

 

Is there some winter mix differential oil? Anything below 0 and it feels like towing a 500lb trailer. Doesn't warm up if not driving too fast either.

 

Well, I feel like an idiot. It turned out to be a bad Optima. I got a new one with some
x-mas cash. Works fine so far.

Lamm