: Surge/Stall when cold - Tech help please


Townsend
01-01-2004, 04:13 PM
Ok, I've got one that's stumped me... How about you?

'94 D90, 3.9, 90K
This is a new "feature" that has been happening for about two weeks now. When the vehicle is cold - now I don't mean really really cold I mean that all heat is dissipated as in it sat in the garage overnight (outside temp ~ 30F). I let the pre-oiler run and build oil pressure and then crank - it starts and idles perfectly for a cold engine, about 1000 rpm. I can drive slowly with no hesitation but if I reach around (it is not 100% consistent) 1800-2000rpm the engine will surge/stall as if either NO fuel or spark. If I continue to slow and coast in gear and let off the gas or press in the clutch it will (re)continue to run and idle perfectly normal. Occasionally if I press in the clutch it will stall but restart immediately.

Once it has warmed up the problem disappears completely. I can shut it off for quite some time but as long as there is some heat it will start and run normal.

It really seems to me as though it is a fuel delivery issue as it
runs great at all other times. The fuel pump primes as expected
during the initial key turn. No codes are thrown to the ECU. New
coil. New fuel filter. I have not messed with the fuel pump relays
as they are hidden behind the AC unit (by the way, anyone have the relay part # to add to the Parts Substitution Table on D-90.com - it's a $7 part that I would like to have a spare of...)

I know there is a bulletin about a cold start chip but the symptoms
occur when it's not really all that cold and it's never done this
before when its been really cold. Its been happening for a couple
of weeks now.

Is there such a thing as a temp sensor that tells the ECU that the
engine is cold/hot that could be failing?

All help and thoughts are appreciated. I apologize for the cross
post to the D90 list...

Thanks! -Townsend.

64rovr
01-01-2004, 04:24 PM
Fuel pressure regulator? You seem to have replaced everything else in the fuel system.

Old Scout
01-01-2004, 04:43 PM
Yup your on the right track. The coolant temp sender is not telling the ECU to richen up the mixture.

redrangie
01-01-2004, 04:47 PM
Originally posted by Townsend
Ok, I've got one that's stumped me... How about you?

Is there such a thing as a temp sensor that tells the ECU that the
engine is cold/hot that could be failing?


Temp sensor on manifold, also the maf sensor has a hot wire as well.

[B]All help and thoughts are appreciated. I apologize for the cross
post to the D90 list...

Thanks! -Townsend.

whats a d90 list?

j

PTSchram
01-02-2004, 06:51 AM
I vote for the ECTS as well, but make it practice to replace fuel temp sensor at the same time.

Had a Rangie that would run fine 'til warm, then stumble, on a 110, ran rough until warm-both benefited greatly from new temp sensors.

Townsend
01-02-2004, 12:06 PM
Originally posted by redrangie


whats a d90 list?

j

Check out http://www.d-90.com

On the left side of the home page you can join the Yahoo Groups D-90 list. Also, if you don't know about www.d-90 it is a great resource.

Be sure to check out the Tech Articles/Parts Substitution Table. Guarenteed to save you money.

Thanks for the tips on the ECTS and the EFTS. Will replace them today and post progress.
'

redrangie
01-02-2004, 12:34 PM
Originally posted by Townsend


Check out http://www.d-90.com

On the left side of the home page you can join the Yahoo Groups D-90 list. Also, if you don't know about www.d-90 it is a great resource.

Be sure to check out the Tech Articles/Parts Substitution Table. Guarenteed to save you money.

Thanks for the tips on the ECTS and the EFTS. Will replace them today and post progress.
'

uh, it was a JOKE.... :rolleyes: :flipoff2:

pendy
01-04-2004, 02:38 AM
Here is one for you. Carbon. Carbon build up on the valves, intake passages. It acts like a sponge, soaking and splashing fuel until it is full. As the engine warms up the sponge fills up and stops playing with the fuel mixture. Use some BG 44k or some other miracle product designed to help with emissions tests and such. Not injection cleaner. Carbon deposite cleaner. Do a couple tankfuls of the treatment. Clean the throttle plate also.

Free advice is what you make of it. And I do not have a Paypal account you can contribute to.
JP

Townsend
01-05-2004, 09:30 AM
$125 and 15 minutes later the problem is solved with the replacement of the ECTS and the EFTS.

Thank you to all who contributed thoughts and ideas - I really appreciate your help.

:D

SeaRover
01-05-2004, 09:40 AM
can someone decode ects and efts?

Townsend
01-05-2004, 10:39 AM
Sorry.

ECTS = Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

EFTS = Engine Fuel Temperature Sensor

SeaRover
01-05-2004, 10:48 AM
ahhh - thanks :)