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Mellemel

Mellemel

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So -18c this morning and the old girl doesn't want to start ! It spins over OK I think, but not the usual sound like when the pistons pump up and down if that makes sense, it's more like a smoother cranking sound.

Pretty sure the freezing temps have got something to do with it. It was fine yesterday at -10c so I don't think it's a frozen gas line thing. Can't smell gas at all, when it's so cold anyone got any idea what it could be ? Just feels as though something has frozen shut !
 
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Sounds like your starter is spinning, but the starter gear isn't engaging with the flexplate/flywheel. Maybe a hair dryer to the starter could thaw something frozen in there? Shooting from the hip here.
 
Starter should whine if not engaging (high rpm)
Mark the belts and see if they move while cranking
Check antifreeze (possible water pump) threw timing belt?
 
I'm going outside !! -15c windchill -25c.

Where is the cold start injector located ? Anyone know ?

I'm going to check the EFI relay as in take it out warm up in the house ! replace. Clean the temp sensor too.

Yup, I already marked the belts, had my wife crank it while I watched all moving correctly.

Yesterday it ran great and was -10c !
 
-31 here in Whitehorse this morning... no idea what it is with the wind.

Just flashed up mine, I did have it plugged in though (I usually plug in when it hits -20).

I'm going to put my money on a "frozen" starter, get some heat on that bad boy and it'll engage.
 
If belts move while cranking then starter is doing its job..
By smoother do you mean faster cranking...like low compression,belt off?
A little carb cleaner in the intake should try to start if you have spark..
 
No, it's the usual crank speed just sounds different ! I'm going to take a short video. Pretty sure the starter is Ok because all the belts are turning.
 
The video upload says "invalid file" argh.

The starter sounds like it's whirring almost, but all the belts turn. Just now the motor gave a small "pop" like a misfire ! it came from near the throttle intake. Could be too much gas pumped in now !
 
I had the carb freeze on my old pickup once... Without an extension cord long enough to reach it I just jacked the front up enough so my 4Runner's exhaust pipe was in-line with the top of the wheel well. Let it sit for 20 minutes or so, popped the hood and the carb was warm, fired right up.

I wouldn't recommend it for hair, but in this situation the exhaust functioned well as a "hair dryer."

Sorry for the irrelevant post.
 
Well I checked the Torque pro app on my phone and the battery voltage, and guess what ?? It read 10.9v !!!!!! Not very good eh ! I completely over looked a bad battery cos it's always showed 14.2 - 14.4v and even yesterday it was showing 14.4v and cranking just fine. I wonder if the sudden coldness of -20c at least overnight killed the 4 year old MotoMaster battery ! The temps have been above freezing until last night.

The battery is off and being charged. I'll see what the morning brings.

I guess the battery wasn't turning it fast enough to start even though it was turning just too slowly, does that sound about right ?
 
Mellemel - with the fully charged battery & if the starter gear has a broken tooth or something.
- crawl under 4runner and a solid tap on the starter case with a hammer, will usually allow for a free restart
- enough to drive to AutoZone (for re manufactured starter) or garage, without needing the cost of a tow truck

Failing to have a hammer in my truck, I've used a 2" ball/tow receiver, to rap starter case firm.
- drove to NAPA/UAP and picked up a starter while leaving my Silverado running
- next drove straight to by backyard buddies place, for the starter swap
 
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I have been smacking the starter with a hammer and bar and had the hair drier on it tonight to no avail. I suspect the battery now.
 
No reason to smack it or heat it if it's spinning your engine(evident by your belts rotating).
I hate to think the t-belt could be your problem at only 20k, but it would definitely explain the different sounding cranking.
If it's cranking without stopping, I would be surprised if the low battery is your issue. That said, I really hope it is [emoji1374]
 
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