Inadvertently fixed hard start problem

[anthonyn]

My 95.5 Rodeo cranks a little long (~5secs) when engine is warm. I had read that this is caused by the fuel injectors losing pressure during a hot soak. That sounded too expensive to fix. The fuel pressure regulator was another theory. Either way, I figured I could live with the problem.

The other day, I decided to replace the PCV valve just for routine maintenance, and for the first time, I'd also change the PCV grommet as well. With the new grommet installed, it took all my strength to push the PCV valve into place - that's how tight the new grommet is compared to the old one.

I really didn't expect to feel anything different with the vehicle. After all, this isn't the first time I had replaced the pcv valve. However, ever since doing this, my rodeo has started up instantly regardless of whether the engine is cold, warm or hot. Nothing else was done to the truck.

So, how does a loose, leaky pcv grommet cause a hard start condition when engine is warm????

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95.5 Rodeo, 89k miles, passport flares, manik grill & tail guards, altered airbox w k&n panel filter

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by anthonyn

So, how does a loose, leaky pcv grommet cause a hard start condition when engine is warm????

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95.5 Rodeo, 89k miles, passport flares, manik grill & tail guards, altered airbox w k&n panel filter

It probably seals fairly well when everything is cold, but once the engine is warm and the PCV hole in the valve cover expands a bit the rubber grommet isn't expanding to maintain the seal (since it has become old and inelastic) and ends it up becoming a vacuum leak.

[directory]

thats good info for anyone with a hard start issue. start with the grommet and not the injectors!!!

sometimes it's the little things that make a difference.

[rodeo02]

That is sweet that you got the issue resolved, but I just dont see how the valve cover PCV valve grommet has anything to do with it. The PCV valve doesnt care if it's pulling air from inside the engine or outside. You can pop the PCV valve out of the valve cover and let it dangle in the wind and the engine wont know the difference. All the air going into the engine is metered, but amount flowing thu the PCV system is small in comparison. A leak on the vacuum side of the PCV valve is another animal. A stuck, leaking valve or pinhole in the PCV hose will cause a massive vac leak and serious operating issues.

Joel

[Canucklehead]

[directory]

wow

[LXA]

I believe this falls into one of the following categories:

1) "It wasn't broke but I fixed it anyway",
2) "It was broke, I bought a couple of parts, messed around and didn't know I fixed it, so don't bother asking me how I did it";
3) "It and a few other things mighta been broke, so me and my buddies raided the local AutoZone store and the drive-thu for some coldies, stripped it all down and had fun; Dude, anyone know where this little gear thing goes?"

Or Lastly: God drives a Rodeo

Wonder why I think I've experienced all of these?

Friday is only 4 days away.

[anthonyn]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

That is sweet that you got the issue resolved, but I just dont see how the valve cover PCV valve grommet has anything to do with it.

I agree and that's why I posted this. It doesn't make any sense to me, but I've racked my brain and nothing else has changed except the pcv valve. I decided to replace the pcv valve because it no longer made any noise when I shook it.

When I went to purchase one, nobody stocked it. I tried 2 pepboys, a kragens, a autozone, a honda dealership, and finally the isuzu dealership. Even the isuzu dealership ended up ordering the parts. 2 days after ordering it, I picked it up at the dealership, and in their parking lot, I replaced the valve and the grommet. From that point on, no more hard start issue.

I was in the middle of a tank of gas, so it can't just be some 'special' gas I got. The hard start issue has been around for at least a couple of years, and I have replaced the pcv valve before within that time period for sure. I dunno....one of those wierd things I guess.....The old grommet broke apart when I took it out, so I can't reinstall and try it, otherwise.....

[paulsantangelo]

Guys: On my 92 Rodeo.

You pull The PCV valve, the engine stalls, "No Vacuum".

I just cleaned out my PCV circuit with Sea Foam. I put the valve in a cup of sea foam, the car would almost turn over but when the sea foam was in the vacuum line and the valve was exposed to air, the engine would stall.

So, I think the guy's got a point here, oh yeah, I had the same issue, after using the Sea foam, gone! Chances are the grommet got insullated by the burning petrol in the Sea foam!

Thanks for the post it explains my problem!
-paul