91 camry cold engine starting problem

[Angie]

My 91 camry 4 cylinder has a hard time cranking to start the engine after sitting outside for 8+hours when the temperature is below 45 degrees. I keep vehicle in closed garage during the nightime hours and it starts fine in the morning. I have had the battery checked and replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor the computer reads and I am still having this problem. The dealer suggests replacing the fuel pump and regulator that costs over $700. I am looking for other options that I can try before going to this expense.

[Joe W]

Does the engine crank slow like it would be a bad battery,or does the engine just not catch right away? I have a problem with replacing the pump and regulator for these conditions.

[Angie]

The engine takes 2-3 times longer to start , then once started sounds like going to stall out for a few seconds but does not. We have had the battery checked at Sam's and the Toyota dealer and it seems to be ok. The toyota dealer also did a pressure test on the fuel system and they thought the system was losing pressure from more than one place. Thank you for your feedback.

[yotatechie04]

I've had a simliar problem with my '99. The only thing that was keeping the car from starting right off was the oil density.

[Joe W]

It seems the dealer should have supplied you with more info as this almost sounds like a tune-up issue.Maybe you should take it to a dependable local garage.Even if they recommend the pump and regulator it will be less expensive.Leave it there overnight so they can start it cold.

[Angie]

Thanks for the response, I will see what happens.

[zmanss]

Hate to be the one to break it to you, but dealerships aren't your friend. They will try to screw you out of as much $$ as possible in the service dept. (usually..., there are the exceptions; and I apoligize for offending any one that is an honest tech/service dept. manager etc..) Nonetheless, do not trust everything that comes out of the dealerships mouth. Your problem is most likely the cold-start injector. It is either dirty or clogged. Either pull it out and take a peek for yourself or have a trusted tech. look into it. I had a 1991 and cleaned the cold-start injector and never once had the slightest problem getting the car to fire up in the winter.

[csaxon]

Run a few bottles of Techron through the system following the instructions on the bottle.

[Angie]

Thanks for the responses, I will try that.

[zmanss]

yeah, definately do not settle for the $700 bill from the dealer. I would agree about running a few bottles of fuel system cleaner through too. As previously listed Chevron makes a good one called techron, but anything (brand) is better than taking no action. Also, the dealer mentioned something about losing fuel system pressure.....this obviously is not the cause of your starting problem, as you have explained that when parked in your garage you have no problem starting the car. I'm not going to say that their claim is total b.s., but I think it is very possible that the particular tech. is not really justified in making such a statement. Oh well, a few bucks for fuel system cleaner and possibly a little time to remove and manually clean the cold start injector is much better than footing the outrageous dealership bill.

[zmanss]

One more thing...if you do decide to replace the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator:
I found a fuel pump on a parts site for $120.00; it's a brand new bosch so that gives you a ballpark fig.
I couldn't really find much on fuel pressure regulators as far as pricing, but i'm pretty sure i have a spare from my 1991 2.0L camry. I will have to check my parts inventory, but i'm pretty sure i have one. And I know for a fact it is in fine working condition if i still have it. If you want to pay shipping, i'll send it otherwise for free. I couldn't see one going for much more than $75 and that's high as far as i'm concerned. So $120+$75=$195....and that's without the dealer discount for parts. so toyota wants at least $500 for labor! It's not quite adding up here. I'd still suggest the c.s.i. first though.

[nmikmik]

Can someone please tell me where the darn Cold-start injector is on my 95?
I am assuming I have a similar problem. My Camry starts from the ½ a turn when it’s warm, but would not start at all in the morning, unless I hit the A/C first to bring
initial RPMs up.
A side question …
What is the best oil filter to use? I’d like to have a little bigger capacity filter & discovered yesterday that whoever done previous oil change installed PH4477,
but the book calls for TG4967 (Fram). The reason why I started fiddling with the filter –
oil light stays on for a second or two, after the engine started following the prolonged period of inactivity, but when restarted right away, light disappears right away.
I suspected anty-drain valve bad or missing on the PH4477, but it does the same thing with my new TG4967 – where the heck that oil goes?

Thanks for all your responses,

[Brian R.]

Here's an oil filter study:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/

[teddybear007]

I am having the same problem with my '92 camry and i've been reading a few forums... the most logical answer i got was that the distributor cap is not properly sealed and develops moisture inside it ... try replacing the cap...

[Brian R.]

"Can someone please tell me where the darn Cold-start injector is on my 95?"

If you have a V6, the cold start injector is on the end of the intake plenum by the brake assist vacuum line. The I4 has no cold start injector.