Cold weather starting issue

dokaman

Member
Sep 7, 2010
10
2
Vancouver WA
Hello again,

I have a cold start issue in cold weather. I brought my 1990 Classic up to Alaska for the winter. Now that it is around 10f or so, it will not start. It cranks over fine but will not fire up. Fuel and spark are both present. I tried jump starting with another running vehicle just to help out. It cranks over strong, attempts to start but not actually firing up.
Push it in the heated garage for the night…. Starts fine.

Any ideas?
 

JUKE179r

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2016
761
95
Suffolkshire, UK
Extremely cold fuel + possible moisture (now ice) in fuel lines + cold engine + cold thick engine oil + cold battery = No Start.
Continue parking it in a heated garage.
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Hello again,

I have a cold start issue in cold weather. I brought my 1990 Classic up to Alaska for the winter. Now that it is around 10f or so, it will not start. It cranks over fine but will not fire up. Fuel and spark are both present. I tried jump starting with another running vehicle just to help out. It cranks over strong, attempts to start but not actually firing up.
Push it in the heated garage for the night…. Starts fine.

Any ideas?
From my Rangie archives:

There is a service bulletin circulating at the Range Rover Dealers that you should know about. It suggests that you consider placing 5W-40W oil in your vehicle if you live in a cold climate. This will allow the starter to turn faster and help eliminate flooding problems in cold start situations. Move back to a 10W-40or 20W-50 in warmer climates and in the summer.
 
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Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Hello again,

I have a cold start issue in cold weather. I brought my 1990 Classic up to Alaska for the winter. Now that it is around 10f or so, it will not start. It cranks over fine but will not fire up. Fuel and spark are both present. I tried jump starting with another running vehicle just to help out. It cranks over strong, attempts to start but not actually firing up.
Push it in the heated garage for the night…. Starts fine.

Any ideas?
In the back of my mind seem to remember there is a fuel sensor temp as well. Found this:

C3609165-032E-4743-B11F-317EDAC33720.jpeg
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Hello again,

I have a cold start issue in cold weather. I brought my 1990 Classic up to Alaska for the winter. Now that it is around 10f or so, it will not start. It cranks over fine but will not fire up. Fuel and spark are both present. I tried jump starting with another running vehicle just to help out. It cranks over strong, attempts to start but not actually firing up.
Push it in the heated garage for the night…. Starts fine.

Any ideas?
And of course there is the cold start sensor for the EFI:1F1D6197-97EC-47B4-A365-A914C9065118.jpeg
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Hello again,

I have a cold start issue in cold weather. I brought my 1990 Classic up to Alaska for the winter. Now that it is around 10f or so, it will not start. It cranks over fine but will not fire up. Fuel and spark are both present. I tried jump starting with another running vehicle just to help out. It cranks over strong, attempts to start but not actually firing up.
Push it in the heated garage for the night…. Starts fine.

Any ideas?
And given it is 31 years old, maybe just keep it in a heated garage. It deserves it. 😁
 
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Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
It is the daily driver. The problem will still be present when it sits at work for the day in below zero temps.
Love driving my ‘94 RRC LWB yet also realize it is an antique vehicle and has some limitations due to age.
However the sensors mentioned in my posts and oil bulletin might help you sort out your situation.
 

dokaman

Member
Sep 7, 2010
10
2
Vancouver WA
I just installed a block heater this morning, it is warming up now. Hopefully this will help with the cold start, when I have power available.
I also plan to swap out the oil today or tomorrow to see if that helps.
I have been trying to feather the throttle and while open.
If these do not help, then it will be ordering the sensors.

I am getting in a little time crunch, I ship the Rover back to Washington at the end of the month and do not want the shipping company do have any preventable issues.
 

XCELLER8

Well-known member
Sep 21, 2009
249
12
I had a similar issue with my '95 discovery, had to replace the ignition coil.....the old bosch wouldnt produce hot enough spark , it had spark but was real weak