Understanding spark plugs & 22RE EFI fast idle

[kc15842]

My 22RE is getting more difficult to start. Way to many cranks to start but once started it runs fine. I pulled the cold start injector cleaned it, no change. Cap and rotor cleaned the contacts no change.Cleaned the K & N, no change. Pulled the spark plugs and they are definitely worn but have some tints of red that I haven't seen before.
Could it be from my son driving the truck in a pond and ingesting a bit of water?
Compression check this morning shows, 174, 165, 160, 160 and the most discolored plug is # 1 with the highest compression.
Any thoughts?

 

[sam24th]

Red colored sparkplugs are pretty normal. Its from additives that are added in the fuel that you buy at the pump. If its getting hard to start I'd start by checking fuel pressure. Sounds like its leaking down and you're losing pressure when you let it sit for awhile. I have a carbed truck so Im not positive where to check pressure for the rail on a 22re.

 

[kc15842]

Thanks for the info on the additives. After I finished the compression check which meant I cranked it a lot it fired right up. I replaced the fuel filter about 3 years ago so I wasn't going to replace it. I'll see where I can insert a gauge. I may turn the key to start and wait a few seconds before cranking and see what happens.

 

[kc15842]

OK, checked the cold start circuit starting with the CSS and it ohmed out OK while cold. Next the cold start injector which I previously cleaned but didn't check operation. I removed the 2 mounting bolts and pulled it back so I could see the tip of injector while cranking. Nothing, no spray whatsoever. Bummer these things are crazy expensive.

 

[nicnmike]

depending on the temperature, it might not spray. My 3.0 loses pressure at the rail as soon as I turn it off. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a leaky injector (i hope). One test you can try is to engage the fuel pump for 7 to 10 seconds before a cold start (I'm not sure how that's done on the 22re). I find that if I do that with mine, it starts up almost immediately.

 

[kc15842]

Thanks, I'll try that.

 

[kc15842]

Well, a few more rounds of checks and I did get the cold start injector to fire. It seems like a good strong fuel burst when activating manually. But still no fast idle???

 

[kc15842]

I think I resolved the poor starting and lack of a fast idle at start up. Another component in the system is the Air Valve which if functioning has an adjustment to allow more air to pass between the plenum, throttle body and the Air Flow meter.
Everything seemed to be functioning on the air valve so I opened it up a bit and I finally had a fast idle and came down to normal idle as the engine warmed. It is a pain in the ass to adjust but it can be done.