Cold Start Problem
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Joined: May 2012
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Cold Start Problem
Hello, I am the original owner of a '88 Dakota. This is the base truck with the 4 cylinder engine, and 2 barrel carb. 163K miles
For the last couple of years, it's been a challenge to start. You have to pump the accelerator , turn the key and if it starts, it runs at high rpms for 5-10 minutes, then kicks down to the correct idle. If you try to drive before the engine reaches correct idle, the truck will continue to run at high idle no matter how long you run it, or how warm the engine is or the outside air temperature ( winter or summer it does this) with the bonus of if you stop before the correct idle is reached, or the engine dies, the truck will not start unless it sits for 15 minutes or more.
I've looked for a binding or dirty choke, cleaned everything adjusted the choke, and idle, checked the thermostat, all the easy things.
Once it starts, and kicks down, it runs great all day. I'm getting tired of waiting for it to warm up! This used to be a work truck, but now my son is driving it daily to work so It needs to warm up faster...
Any ideas?
Dan
For the last couple of years, it's been a challenge to start. You have to pump the accelerator , turn the key and if it starts, it runs at high rpms for 5-10 minutes, then kicks down to the correct idle. If you try to drive before the engine reaches correct idle, the truck will continue to run at high idle no matter how long you run it, or how warm the engine is or the outside air temperature ( winter or summer it does this) with the bonus of if you stop before the correct idle is reached, or the engine dies, the truck will not start unless it sits for 15 minutes or more.
I've looked for a binding or dirty choke, cleaned everything adjusted the choke, and idle, checked the thermostat, all the easy things.
Once it starts, and kicks down, it runs great all day. I'm getting tired of waiting for it to warm up! This used to be a work truck, but now my son is driving it daily to work so It needs to warm up faster...
Any ideas?
Dan
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,923
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From: NM
My best guess is the carburetor needs a good rebuild or just some adjusting from a carburetor expert. I hate carburetors for that reason, you can never get them to run right, they always need adjusting for different seasons or terrain ect.