vr6 starting like a bag of poop

[carat1990 10]

Hi all

 

History behind my rado is she was bought v cheap and has had a lot of work done to her. Blown head gasket so had all that done plus timing chains clutch etc. Got her running today after 3 months of work she's been turned over quite a few times since but just horrid to start. Won't turn over without loads of revs but as soon as she's started she runs, sounds and drives absolutely beautiful but starting her up sounds damn awful. Any ideas?

 

TIA :)

[16VG60 1]

Hi, when you say your VR won't turn over without loads of revs, would I be right to say you are referring to excessive application of throttle position via the pedal being used to coax the engine to start? If this is so, and given that all the works carried out have been completed correctly ie no timing issues etc, then I would suggest you check the fuelling system. There could be a fault with insufficient, or indeed excess fuel on initial start up. This is all based on my interpretation of your explanation of the problem. Long distance diagnostics never an easy topic :)

[fla 9]

check your maf is ok - when its running, unplug and see if the car cuts out. If it does, then the maf is ok. If there's no change your maf could be dud. Also check for air leaks on the inlet side of the manifold

[16VG60 1]

Hi fla, like you I considered MAF and air leaks post MAF as a possibility but given that the engine when it finally fires into life is reported to run beautifully, IMO I didn't think these things were likely to be the issue. If these were the fault the engine would be unlikely to idle and most certainly not "beautifully". But hey as I say long distance diagnostics are always a bit out there, especially after so many key areas have been recently rebuilt and disturbed.

[carat1990 10]

Thanks all. Yep she needs coaxing to start but once started she idles fine and has been driven and is fine. I will look into your above points. Bit of a checklist and far away diagnostics are always fun but v grateful for advice. Xx

[16VG60 1]

Good luck, let us know how you get along.

[fendervg 32]

Check your fuel pressure regulator on the front of the injector rail - I had nasty starting issues until I replaced mine, and it's not an expensive part.

[fla 9]

Hi fla, like you I considered MAF and air leaks post MAF as a possibility but given that the engined whn it finally fires into life is reported to run beautifully, IMO I didn't think these things were likely to be the issue. If these were the fault the engine would be unlikely to idle and most certainly not "beautifully". But hey as I say long distance diagnostics are always a bit out there, especially after so many key areas have been recently rebuilt and disturbed.

I think its fair to say you know a fair bit more than I do, but as you've pointed out long distance diagnoses are always difficult