Yet another hard-start thread (95 2.4L)

Specs:
1995 2RZ FE 2.4L
5-Spd
Ext Cab
277K Miles

I bought the truck a couple of months ago with a blown head gasket.

I've replaced the head gasket, and the truck runs fine...when it starts.

The truck started fine, albeit rough, before the head-gasket replacement. It'll start every time if I spray some starting fluid into the intake, but I'd rather fix the problem than keep spending money on starting fluid.

If I don't have starting fluid, and the engine is cool, it will eventually start, but looooong cranks and have to constantly pump the accelerator, but it will start. If it's been less than 15 minutes since shutoff, it starts normally. This is with any engine temp.

I also drive it nearly 50 miles every day, and average almost 20mpg...which leads me to think that its not the fuel pump.

What I've done over the last couple of months: (Some I don't think apply, but listed anyway.)

Replaced battery.
Replaced AC Idle up VSV--Broken during tear-down ($186 worth of ouch!)
Cleaned throttle body/replaced throttle body gasket.
Cleaned MAF sensor.
Replaced Air Filter.
Head Gasket (Obviously), Radiator flush, oil & filter change.
Dropped oil pan for cleaning & replaced oil pan gasket.
New Plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor.
Replaced Fuel Pressure Regulator.

I can't find any vacuum leaks.

I really don't think its the fuel pump. When I was reinstalling the fuel rail from the head gasket replacement, i broke an o-ring, and it was causing fuel to spray when the key was turned on. So there's plenty of pressure at the injectors.

Everything that I'm reading in the forums is pointing to either the ECU, or the fuel pump...and since I'm 97% confident that it isn't the fuel pump, that may narrow it down. I don't know how to troubleshoot the ECU, and I'm not convinced right now that it's the problem.

Any help/advise is greatly appreciated, and if you're in the Tampa area, I'll buy you an age-appropriate beverage if you can help me figure it out. =)

 

Did you try running some sea foam threw fuel system? Also didn't see that you replaced fuel filter. Might be worth a shot.edit: I did see filter change, was that fuel filter?
Starting fluid is some rough stuff, never heard any good things about using it. On my diesel bobcat I use a little gas on rag and the vapors from gas will do the trick. Always have something close to put out fire just in case. Has worked on lawn mowers,etc as well. GL

 

Replaced the fuel filter, and did a seafoam treatment earlier this morning. So far, no noticeable change.

 

Additional info: the truck seems to "hesitate" just a bit when giving it gas.

Could the timing be off by a gear in either direction? Would that also cause the "hard start"?

 

Just Guess'n...
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/re...mperature-Sensor/Testing/_/P-0996b43f80378d03

Edit

On second thought if you were having problems with the Coolant Temperature Sensor I would think your
Check Engine Light would be on.... Is it on?

 

No check engine light.

 

Checked fuel injectors?

 

Pretty sure...when it starts with starting fluid, it runs great, and I drive it around 50 miles per day. Surely an injector problem would be more noticeable than at starting time...right?

 

So when it's cold it doesn't start easily at all?

 

Nope. And cold as in operating temp, not outside temp.

 

Checked the ECT(engine coolant temp sensor)
Or the IAT(intake air temp sensor)
They sense temp and convert to a voltage signal.

 

Changed the IAT, still having the cold-start problem. I picked up an ECT sensor, but it was the wrong size, so I'll have to take it back and exchange it before i can try it out.

When it does start w/o starting fluid, it sounds like it may be flooded. There is a few back-fire like sounds that can be heard right after it starts, until it settles into it's idle...then it runs like a champ until it cools off and needs started again.

 

Seems odd that no codes are being thrown. You sure your air intake assy is all tight with no vacuum lines leaking,cracked. Hoping some more knowledgeable people will chime in on this for you op. This should bump you some.