VE SS Cold Starting issue - fixed by fuel brand change - WTF

[Thumpin]

Tempe, Kirrawee and Heathcote are nearby

Cheers. Are we talking E85 here or BP outlets?

I haven't been able to find E85 ay Kirrawee or Heathcote, only E-Flex

 

[PIR4TE]

Ah ok yes I meant eflex, like e73.

 

[chriso-k]

I don't think this has to do with dirty or type of fuel. This car really needs a scan tool hook up to investigate possible causes. The days of may be's and could be's on modern computerised cars are long gone. Firstly, check out and see if there's any nasties logged in the main ECU. Then, looking at live data on the scan tool when the engine is cool, is a must. In particular, keep an eye on the attitude of the ECT sensor to see how its behaving. This sensor provides important info back to the ECU which then calculates appropriate fuel delivery to the engine under all conditions. If you're not up to date with all this high tech stuff, have someone stand behind the car when it starts up in the morning or when it's cold. And, have him/her observe if any black smoke comes out of the exhaust system when the car fires up. If it does, the ECU is over fueling the engine, probably because of a wrong signal sent by a faulty sensor. Or, possibly leaky injectors drowning the engine with too much fuel. Bearing in mind, the fuel system in this car is pressurised and, if the injectors are not holding back the standard leak down rate, then you have an over fueling issue at a cold start up. The reason being, when the car is cold, its had plenty of time to sit (usually overnight) and therefore, the injectors have had plenty of opportunity to dump excess amounts of fuel into some of the cylinders, giving you the rough start. I'd be surprised if a quick scan tool hook up, to this car, doesn't reveil anything. However, having said all that, if changing fuel appears to have solved the problem, then that's great. But it would be out of character for fuel alone to cause such a problem. Looking at the big picture logically, if it is a fuel issue, then you would likely have rough starts at every/most start ups, not just at cold start ups. I've used some of the worst fuel available, at times, and haven't seen issues like what you describe. Good luck, Chris, Motor mechanic/fuel injection specialist, SYDNEY.

 

[Ss Phil]

I have mentioned my starting issues in another thread but I decided to start a new post.

Progressively over the last 18 Months, cold starting has been erratic. Sometimes it sounds like its trying to backfire when cranking but the auto engage keeps on spinning and it starts. Other times its like its flooded and slowly cranks and starts firing on odd cylinders until it clears itself and all is good.
Remember this is only when its cold (first start in the morning).
I have always used Caltex 98 fuel. For the last couple of tanks I've used Shell 98 and the cold starting issue is gone.

Any ideas to what my problem would be? or just don't use Caltex!

Hi I found my idling timing was to advanced causing hard starting and slow cranking, then pinged at fire up. This was worst when engine was warm. I had a tuner back the idling timing off a little and or of the starting issues then disappeared. Also I found my ls3 to ping at 2500 rpm going up steep hills from wisemans ferry in 2nd gear with shell 98 v power. Filled up with BP 98 and went back and tested on the same hill. This time no pinging, amazing. Hope this helps

 

[Thumpin]

I don't think this has to do with dirty or type of fuel. This car really needs a scan tool hook up to investigate possible causes. The days of may be's and could be's on modern computerised cars are long gone. Firstly, check out and see if there's any nasties logged in the main ECU. Then, looking at live data on the scan tool when the engine is cool, is a must. In particular, keep an eye on the attitude of the ECT sensor to see how its behaving. This sensor provides important info back to the ECU which then calculates appropriate fuel delivery to the engine under all conditions. If you're not up to date with all this high tech stuff, have someone stand behind the car when it starts up in the morning or when it's cold. And, have him/her observe if any black smoke comes out of the exhaust system when the car fires up. If it does, the ECU is over fueling the engine, probably because of a wrong signal sent by a faulty sensor. Or, possibly leaky injectors drowning the engine with too much fuel. Bearing in mind, the fuel system in this car is pressurised and, if the injectors are not holding back the standard leak down rate, then you have an over fueling issue at a cold start up. The reason being, when the car is cold, its had plenty of time to sit (usually overnight) and therefore, the injectors have had plenty of opportunity to dump excess amounts of fuel into some of the cylinders, giving you the rough start. I'd be surprised if a quick scan tool hook up, to this car, doesn't reveil anything. However, having said all that, if changing fuel appears to have solved the problem, then that's great. But it would be out of character for fuel alone to cause such a problem. Looking at the big picture logically, if it is a fuel issue, then you would likely have rough starts at every/most start ups, not just at cold start ups. I've used some of the worst fuel available, at times, and haven't seen issues like what you describe. Good luck, Chris, Motor mechanic/fuel injection specialist, SYDNEY.

Thanks for the concern Chris.
I was surprised as well to find a brand change in fuel made a big difference.
I believed it WAS a fuel dribble issue and I did have a couple of instances where a black smoke startup was observed. However that theory has been put to bed as the different fuel fixed the issue.
Since I haven't had the car on a scan, I can't offer you anymore explanations but I would like to see what comes up.
I have used Caltex fuel for ever and this particular starting issue has slowly crept in to existance which would indicate that something is slowly deteriorating like a sensor or injector.

 

[phillmac]

Problem is definatly in the car but the premium 98 octane hides it. It's the same as all Ausie 6s can run fine on all petrol avail, 91 up yet a few dud motors ping on the low grade fuels and have to run on 98. Only issue is why can't the "specialist" dealers find and or fix the fault.

 

[Weatherman]

Howdy all. Great site and some valuable info from everyone. My two cents Regards Fuel. Have a 1997 VT S1 370,000km - except for first 6 mnths (Mobil 98) and another few occasions (BP Ult) always used VPower 750+km/tank Always!! Still today VTdoesn't miss a beat. Next car - Aurion, OK chaps I didn't say the T word...Family thing : )
Stock 200kw always VPower 700+km/Tank 178,000km and never missed a beat. Now I just bought 2011 VE SS 45,000km for $25000 Bargain I think?? (One day I might get that HQ) - on VPower 720km+ for first two tanks...But now I'm hearing from many of you chaps about BP Ultimate. Well when I had the VT for everyday I was told BP so I tried it however would only get 600km per tank. I drive 75% Highway driving. Now I know I have AFM which is marvellous (some hate it :axe and currently I'm at approx. 9.6L/100km - Up to 10.7L/100km around town, hey I just cruise every where, a family thing.

Why is BP Ultimate the preferred fuel? I here about it yet not a lot are saying why it is used. I'm new to this kind of blog/forum should I start a new thread?

I've read all about RON and the combustion strength/speed etc. Does BP assist with cooler running temps, it is a thinner blend, has it got a differing burn, should I start another thread?

Chaps tell me more about this BP Ultimate.