I purchased this '92 SL 5 speed about 2 months ago. Among other minor problems, it is extremely hard to start when the engine is cold. Once it is started and warmed up, it runs perfectly. I have checked all sensor connections, battery terminals, taken out the throttle cable slack and removed the fuel pressure regulator to make sure it was holding vacuum. There seems to be no vacuum leaks and there are no engine codes. When attempting to start, there is a strong fuel odor or flooding smell. Once the engine starts, any touch on the accelerator causes the engine to die. This condition lasts a few minutes until the engine is warm, then everything is fine. I have also disconnected the battery to allow the computer to reset. I am the third owner; the first owner maintained the car well and kept meticulous records, the last owner abused the car badly. Advice, anyone?

What type of motor oil are you using and how cold are you talking about? Ever use an engine block heater? I used them on other cars and they work great. Cost about 30-40 bucks and keeps your engine oil nice and worm. The down side is that you need to park next to an electrical outlet.

I'm in Houston, Texas. It's not the cold weather that's causing the starting problem, it's the engine not yet at operating temperature. It will be 100 degrees outside, but will still not start easily. It just runs like crap (or not at all) when you first try to start it. I feel it's got to be some cold idle adustment, I just don't know enough about the car to know where to start.

Have you checked your vacuum hoses for any leaks? Try using the water in a spray bottle trick

When the car is idling, turn the steering well all the way left and all the way right. do the rpms go up slighty?

it sounds like your timeing belt is worn out and a little out of time . i had the same thing happen.good luck :thumbsup:

also hi everyone im new here

usually when the timing belt slips it goes more than one or two teeth and most of the time causes catastrophic damage to the valves. Plus he said it runs fine once its warmed up. and a timing belt does not go back into sync once the engine gets warm. I don't think it's the timing belt.

Have you replaced your plugs and wires anytime recently?

Also, the IAC should bump the idle up when parked and you turn the wheel left and right. if it does not that could also be your problem...



Hi.