I have a 96 legacy 2.5l n/a. And when the engines cold it wont start. It will try to fire but no cigar. After a while of trying to start she will fire up and run like crap and die. Then she will start back up and run fine. Can anyone help me diagnose the problem plz. I have put new NGK plugs in and gapped about 3 or 4 months ago. Oh and it has 171xxx miles..

Any CEL? It sou8nds like a bad coolant temp sensor to start with. When she starts just a puff of dark smoke come out? Did this start happening with the cold weather?

I had codes read and it said bad coolant temp sesor. And im not sure cuz theres a bad doughnut gasket in the exhaust. And its been doimg it the whole time ive owned her witch isnt long. But in the cold she has gotten worse. Would a bad coolant temp sensor make my car not want to start?

Edited December 21, 201411 yr by legacy lsi

One has nothing to do with the other, unless you count dede brain  cells from carbon monoxide leaking into the cabin.

 

You have your answer. And as long as your there, do the T stat and radiator cap too. CHeck you PCV vavle your seals will thanks you.

Ok i will do all of that. Thank you very much.