how does your motor start?

I don't like how my truck starts, wondering if it's normal. Typically when it's not too cold, it turns completely over once, then chugs 2 or 3 times and fires like a champ. When it's really cold it will chug 3-5 times (about 40* or colder).

I know it's not really hurting anything to chug a few times but it doesn't seem right for a truck that's only 10 years old.

EDIT: also wondering what is the minimum CCA recommendation for the 1gr-fe? My 4.0l Cologne was like 650CCA, but I always ran 1k+CCA and it fired up on the spot (maybe that's why, hehe). I'm going to guess that being 10 years old it has seen more than 1 battery.

 

i have a new battery and get the same thing in cold weather. though i probably do need my spark plugs changed.

 

About 50 miles or less... plugs made no difference in starting. Running, I don't know if it's a placebo effect or it actually runs better, I think it should, considering the old plugs were worn to about .051 gap...

 

mine cranks a bit before she starts in the cold but she always starts even when its -30

 

Yeah, mine chugs a few times when it's under 40 as well. 2012 DCLB. Running a brand new AGM Deka intimidator battery 34 series I believe.

I think these engines just dislike being started under cold conditions.

 

No engine enjoys a cold start...

I feel like I have to crank mine for a good 1.5 seconds but as soon as I let go of the key she starts without fail. If I don't hold the key long enough she just stops turning over as soon as I let go of the key. I get no sputter or anything - just fire or not fire.

 

Ive always noticed a quicker start with new plugs on my previous vehicles, not so much the Taco though, a tad odd. I definitely agree with the aforementioned battery test though, even a good brand with sufficient CCAs isn't foolproof and a battery going bad can cause so many seemingly unrelated nuisances.

On a side note, occasionally on startup mine will fire up then tick over for a second and stall out (4.0 auto). Only ever does it once then it fires right up and runs like a well oiled machine for the rest of the day and about the next 2 weeks. Seems to happen regardless of temperature (happened both at +10 and -30C) and reminds me a little of a fuel pump failing to prime properly. I can't hear the pump from my normal startup habits and it happens randomly enough to miss listening for (any startup during the day), anyone else have a similar experience? (I'll try to avoid thread jacking)

 

Hmm, might be nothing, could be going. If I get a chance I'll have it tested. It's a kirkland signature 3yr warranty, sticker says 09/13 so it's still in, but I'm not sure if they will do it no questions asked, prorate it or what. I'm not the original owner. I've heard that optima isn't what they used to be anymore, I'd like to just spend the money and never worry about it.

I had a battery in my blazer literally crack and leak it was so cold once. That was annoying...

 

What grade of oil are you running? You can try Redline or Amsoil 0W-30 (don't use 0W-20) at the next oil change and see if the starting is smoother.

When the time comes to replace my battery next year, I'll probably go with Optima red top, because it's lighter.

 

One thing to consider is the gas you are using. On my '99 that I had, it didn't like Exxon, nor anything other than base grade gas. If I had Exxon or "super" gas in it, it would crank for a bit before actually starting.

 

My dad always used to say, "It's a Toyota, hold the key down!" All the yotas in the family seem to crank over a bit before they fire up. That's not really a bad thing either because it gets the oil system ready to make pressure quick.

Mine cranks slow like a 6 volt 8N but it's always fired up, even in the -20F stuff we had last winter. I've cleaned the cables, chassis and engine grounds, the internal contacts on the solenoid, replaced the battery twice, and have 0w20 in the pan; I guess that it's just the way it is, unless I want to give the dough for a more powerful starter.

 

I think it'll be fine... I don't need thinner oil or anything, I'm in SoCal. It's full of pretty new unknown. I haven't had it long enough to change the oil yet, and it was almost fresh when I got it.

 

Amsoil FTMFW Crack for the Tacoma

 

That's interesting, because gas is the same across the different brands; just the additives added to the tanker truck are different:

 

The Taco is not a formula One race car. There is no valid reason to worry about the minor weight difference between a red top Optima and a regular battery. Your Taco wont know the difference. Also the red top is a trash battery. If you don't keep it on a battery tender it wont last long. I've never had a red top last more than 18 months.

 

^Actually the weight difference is significant: 32 lb for the Optima red top group-35 battery. A Diehard Platinum battery of the same BCI size is 50 lb, for example. I prefer to find weight savings when affordable to offset all the armor.

 

The problem is still weight. Anyone who wheels their relatively abusively knows that the weight of the battery on sheet metal even if secured correctly can begin to cave in the wheel well over time going over rough enough terrain. Its not about weight savings. Its about saving your sheet metal.

 

I do not do any thing special plan old dino oil, 87 10 % ethanol fuel and I never have had any complaints about starting even well below zero. Same old 4 year old battery still cranking it just fine. Yeah when it's really cold it might crank 5 seconds yes 5 sec. seems like for ever doesn't it.

 

I noticed this on mornings cold enough to frost. 3 or 4 turn overs then it fires rims come up. Stumble a half second the. Runs perfect.

Asked another friend that just bought a 2009 dcsb v6 and his starts the same when below freezing. Above freezing it starts smooth almost as soon as you touch the key

 

28*F out this morning her in so cal..... UNUSUALLY cold..... i live 10mi away from the beach!!!

that stated.... only marginally slower crank n she fired right up.