ok this is probably a simple problemo, but im tryin to learn... when i try starting the 92 GL wagon, it will die after a few seconds of spluttering(low rump roast idolin), i've heard its bad to pump it on start up cause of the pistons not being oiled or something...true? i can pump it before i start it and then ignite and it will start and over rev? anyway i can fine tune it?

Ok, Umm, If its a 92 I'll assume Fuel injected? Not too much you can adjust there.

And if its idling low/stalling when cold, I'd suggest trying to find/clean, the coolant temperature sensor thing. From what I know, if its not workin right, you'll have a misbehaving beasty till its warmed up right guys?

 

And if its carbed, the auto choke thingo?

 

Hope I'm pointing you in the right direction. More will no doubt chime in soon.

Good luck!

 

EDiT: With the pumping the gas before you try start said beasty, I'm pretty sure that'll only help if you're having trouble starting at all, eg cranking long time, and if your car is carbed. Don't think pumping the gas damages it, unless you keep it pinned? *shrugs*

Unless it's been changed out, it's fuel injected. Pumping the gas to prime it won't really work, but you can pump it while cranking to help it start with enough rpms to keep running. I don't think it's going to hurt anything.

 

Does it idle after it warms up? If so, it may be the idle air control valve, the idle switch adjustment, or the coolant sensor as waimaks suggested.

 

If not, there's a vacuum hose that runs from the purge control solenoid back to the passenger strut tower that can easily get knocked loose, or you may need to adjust the throttle position sensor and idle switch.

she idles fine when warm, i think its got something to do with petty in the carby...thanx for your help. ill have a look at the auto choke, i think it would be the auto choke cause when i give it some herbs on startup it will idle high for 30-60 seconds...maybe it needs adjusting...?

what someone told you about it hurting the motor has to do with oil. No overhead cam engine should really be run over 2,000 RPM until the oil pump has had enough time to get oil all over the top of the cylinder heads.. because right when you start a cold motor, there is very little motor oil up top. it all drains down into your oilpan (which is why you check the oil when the motor has not been running in the last five minutes at least.

 

anyhow, its only the first minute or so after a cold start that you need to worry at all.. and thats probably overkill. thats an old gearhead's rule of thumb from the days when OHC and OHV engines were equally commonplace.. you just dont wanna be running up to 6 grand two seconds after you start the motor, and holding it there for five minutes...

 

I try to be conscious of this every time i start my car, but once the temp gage goes up one tick, i never pay any attention whatsoever.

 

pumping the gas pedal once or twice before starting engages an automatic choke, or something like that, on your carburettor that helps it start easier.. or something. as (someone?) has already said, it wont help a great deal just pumping the pedal a couple times before hitting the key like it would an old ford, but hitting the gas pedal while starting can definitely make it easier to start, just by giving it more air. If in doing this, you inadvertently rev it a little high, its no big deal.. just keep in mind that it takes a few moments to oil your top end.

 

on a side note, i must say it really feels wrong to refer to the cylinder heads on a boxer motor as the "top end." its more of a "wing," wouldnt you say?

i must say it really feels wrong to refer to the cylinder heads on a boxer motor as the "top end." its more of a "wing," wouldnt you say?

 

To be honest, i have no idea... but thanx a lot for your help. ill stress less on that one...