Problems with cold start?

[bias]

It was really cold yesterday. The coldest since I have had my engine. Before today I never had a problem starting the car. The enging had some condensation on the valve cover from being really cold the night before. Well I go to start the car and it rotates but will not start. I tried maybe three or four times holding it for a few seconds at a time then it just stopped. No engine turn over at all. Checked the battery and it's not that. I did a search and I have to check the clutch pedal switch to see if it's the problem. I never seen a starter go out completly no clicking or anything. I'm just about to start driving the car and then this S#i+!! I'm going to work on it today but just wanted to get some input. I have everything stock except the ecu is suppose to be upgraded at least thats what I was told. It has a sticker with "Sequential" on it. other than that I have an apexi air filter. I just can't figure why the car would not start

[The_Chosen_One]

how old is the gas, and how cold did it get what was the temp?

Gas hates the cold, usually the warmer the gas the better it burns. Normally Northern states will add additives to counter act the cold but with the freak weather latly **** just comes sudden. Also gas starts to deteriate after 2 weeks if left long enough gas will break down and not even become flamable.

[float_6969]

Check not only the clutch switch, but the little rubber/plastic thing that is attached to the clutch pedal that is supposed to come into contact with the start switch. Mine were old and brittle and I lost the one for the clutch and the brakes. Unfortunatly for the brakes, it made the brake lights stay on until it drained the battery dead.

[bias]

The gas was old but I added some octane booster and about three gallons of 91 to get it started. I never had a problem with it cranking before. The temp was I think a little under freezing. We had some snow and ice a cuople days ago.

[bias]

I will check for that. I had to disconnect my brake light cause it was staying on. I figured I would fix it later, but if that little rubber is causing that on the brakes the clutch may be the same deal. . I will keep you all posted. Thanks.

[bias]

Thanks float you were right that little rubber piece on the clutch was broken off. Great news until it cranked. The engine was barely running and smelled rich, really rich. No smoke. Is this also an issue of cold start problems in the CA? It's 39º here. How do I fix the cold start issue. I let the car run for a few minutes and the temp didn't even move. What sensor do I replace? Have to get the car running ASAP. Thanks in advance..

[Chris859]

If you had it running for a few mins, the temp gauge should have come up. Maybe you have a thermostat stuck open? I know cold weather starting on my ca improved a ton when I replaced the coolant temp sensor. It used to start, then die about 3-4 times before it would stay running... now it fires right up and idles fine. I started it the other night when it was 3 degrees outside... and it started just fine. If you still have the old jdm temp sensor, I would highly suggest you replace it. And on the gas issue... gas won't go bad in 2 weeks. In all honesty - unless you use some really, really crappy gas it will be fine for 6+ months if need be.

[bias]

I'm going to replace the sensor and themostat. Can I get the sensor from the parts store or do I have to go to the dealership?

[RS12Turbo]

And on the gas issue... gas won't go bad in 2 weeks. In all honesty - unless you use some really, really crappy gas it will be fine for 6+ months if need be.

Yeah......I agree. My car sat for 13 months outside in the weather, with no engine, fuel lines wide open, with a 1/2 a tank of Cali 91 octane in the tank. It cranked up and ran fine when I put in my new motor. I ran it to "E" and refilled with 93 octane, a can of Techron, and a new fuel filter.

[Chris859]

You can get the sensor from pretty much any parts store. Just tell them you need a coolant temp sensor for an '89 Pulsar nx se (ca18de). A bunch of nissans used the same sensor, the parts store should have it in stock. I just picked mine up from work one night (checker). Part #'s Niehoff - ts25151, Beck arnley - 1580134, AC delco - F1864... If nothing else your parts store can interchange one of those part numbers into their brands.

[bias]

Well I hope I won't get "Banished" but the plugs were bad. I got some new plugs after I changed the temp sensor and thermostat and it fired right up no prob. I love doing new things but sometimes I forget the basics. Thanks for all the help everyone.

[Chris859]

lol no problem - im sure we have all been there before