TR 88.5 wont start! Cold weather maybe? | FerrariChat
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TR 88.5 wont start! Cold weather maybe?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by JasonMiller, Feb 20, 2009.

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  1. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
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    #1 JasonMiller, Feb 20, 2009
    Ok, I shipped my Testarossa to PA from Texas last November, drove it twice before the COLD weather kicked in. The last time I drove it I filled it up
    in Morgantown West Virginia. The vehicle sits in a carport under a cover. I went to start it after one week after it was parked, it cranks and cranks and every five seconds or so sounds like it going to start.

    Its been very cold, minus 18 one night. The vehicle is protected from the weather but I feared the cold might have something to do with it.

    Last Saturday we got to 60 degrees and I went out and tried to start the car again. It cranks and cranks and every five second or so it sounds like it going to start but wont.

    Locals have told me that it could be water in the fuel, I put a can of dry fuel in the tank and still no start!..

    The battery is good, I had it tested. There is a slight fuel smell when cranking. I checked the wires under the antifreeze tank and all fuses and relays to make sure they were seated well.

    The car has always started perfectly and has never given me any problem, I hope I didn't freeze it to death!

    Ideas?
     
  2. DerWebMeister

    DerWebMeister Guest

    Aug 21, 2007
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    Timothy
    #2 DerWebMeister, Feb 20, 2009
    Can you get a rolling start?
     
  3. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
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    #3 JasonMiller, Feb 20, 2009
    I haven't tried that, I need to get some guys together to push it..
     
  4. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
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    #4 Dr_ferrari, Feb 20, 2009
    Might want to remove a spark plug and see if it is fouled. Also check to see if you are getting spark when cranking. If it is getting the spark and the plugs are fouled, replace the plugs and try again.

    Best regards, Jim
     
  5. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
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    #5 Dr_ferrari, Feb 20, 2009
    That will not help.
     
  6. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 Napolis, Feb 20, 2009
    Ditto.

    Most likely plugs are fouled.
     
  7. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
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    #7 JasonMiller, Feb 20, 2009


    Thanks guys, I will replace them this weekend and try again, any recommendation on brand ?
     
  8. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    #8 Steve Magnusson, Feb 20, 2009
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2009
    Although I have no doubt that this was a reasonable action for the local circumstances, I would've stopped you if I was there -- just based on some horror stories that Larry Fletcher has relayed to me about internal damage to the elasometer parts inside the CIS FDs casued by Methanol-based fuel "dryers". Sorry to be alarmist, but keep this in mind as potential "additional/new" (crippling) problem.

    Just want to add a general comment/side-rant that anyone using a car that doesn't have points and carbs needs to get this type of thought out of their head. It's not just you Jason, I can't count the number of times someone with a sudden-onset problem gives the "it was just running well" excuse. Gradual decay to non-function occurs more frequently on a points+carbs system -- modern systems are much more go-no go so nearly every problem is suddenly appearing (rant off).

    -18 def F is hard on any car IMO. I know you're probably not getting down that cold all the time, but I'm surprised that it's not peeing coolant out somewhere ;)

    Anyway, to get it going:

    1. You've got to first follow Jim's recommendation to confirm/deny spark events during cranking (I'd use a timing light).

    2. If no spark -- fix spark

    3. If spark is present, then manually running the fuel pumps and listening for their operation would be next.

    4. If no pumps -- fix pumps

    5. If pumps run OK manually....(we'll go here, if necessary -- but start with Step 1 and let us know where/what you get).
     
  9. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
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    #9 Shamile, Feb 20, 2009
    Dear Ferraristi,

    The crank crank crank and about to start every 5 seconds.....


    ....sounds tachometric relay related to me.

    When you crank, does it sound like it's about to catch, you release the key and it dies? If so, do a search on tachometric relay. I have had this problem back in 04 and with the help of Steve Magnusun, got it solved. There is much to read on the subject.

    Pull plug, with wire attached, hold next to block and have someone crank the engine. See if you have spark. If you smell gas but no start, good probability of no spark....then go from there.


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  10. Greg D

    Greg D Guest

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    #10 Greg D, Feb 20, 2009
    I had a simular problem with my 87TR when taken out of storage. I changed the fuel filters. I also found moisture had gotten into the distrubutor cap and caused corrosion problems. I cleaned the cap and rotor. Once cleaned she started and ran great. I eventually bought new caps and rotors from Bill @ GT Car Parts.
     
  11. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
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    #11 JasonMiller, Mar 8, 2009


    Jim,

    THANKS!! Bingo!!

    Today was a beautiful 72 degrees up here in PA, I decided to tackle the spark plugs and they looked pretty bad. Once changed she started on the first turn over and idled as smooth as glass.. Only problem, breaks seemed a little squishy... I will check them tomorrow and hopefully hit the wonderful twisty roads soon.

    Thanks everyone for your input!
     
  12. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

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    #12 Mr.Chairman, Mar 8, 2009
    Just a note.. Jim at Pocono (Dr. Ferrari) is in the PA area. Great service when needed..

    R
     
  13. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
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    #13 JasonMiller, Mar 8, 2009
    Yes sir.. I actually mapquested his location and was planning to taking the car there if I couldn't get it started. I plan on having a full service
    done this fall and if I am still in PA I will take it to him for sure!

    Thanks all!
    Jaosn
     

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