Cold start handle stiff/stuck (not due to bushings)

[shwak23]

I wasn't going to make a thread about this but seeing as how i am actively seeking a coldstart cable I may as well figure out why my cold start lever is so ***ty.

I have to use a screwdriver and a light tap from a hammer to make it go all the way back and it' very stiff and just not smooth at all. Any idea why something like this would be happening?

[ORCoaster]

O-ring inside is binding or there is some kind of build up on the piston inside under the cover.

[shwak23]

I saw you had a thread about that and it kinda got derailed into talking about the lever bushings.
Yeah I guess I'll take the pump off in a couple weeks and take that plate off to clean it out... Maybe time for governor modzz too...

[srgtlord]

my cold start mechanism on my leaky old turbo pump broke today........

[R.O.R-2.0]

I saw you had a thread about that and it kinda got derailed into talking about the lever bushings.
Yeah I guess I'll take the pump off in a couple weeks and take that plate off to clean it out... Maybe time for governor modzz too...

most of the time, its because of a sticky, or binding cable, or the cable its self is bent, and the sheath wont allow it to slide freely..

[srgtlord]

Well on the later 1990's turbo pump the little plastic rod that goes from the timing advance lever to the fast idle mechanism on the top aneroid has a couple springs and a little tiny plastic wheel....All of which decided to fall apart. Im guessing its because the pump has been spewing diesel for 3 years lol

[ORCoaster]

Check for a sharp kink in the cable coming out of the firewall to the pump.  Like R.O.R. says that would make it stiff.  Solid cable inside tough outter plastic.  Might be right at the very end of the plastic where you can't see it very well. 

[scrounger]

Not sure if my reply will be relevant but I keep the handle pulled out all the time.  I find that it gives me about 5-10 mpg better economy. 

[8v-of-fury]

Not sure if my reply will be relevant but I keep the handle pulled out all the time.  I find that it gives me about 5-10 mpg better economy. 

Hmm, I don't think it does anything above 1500rpm though..? It advances the roller cage mechanically to a point, and then after that I am sure the pumps internal pressures take over from there.

[scrounger]

Thanks
I am in second gear at 8mph 3rd at 15-18, 4th 20-25 and 5th at 30-35. Glad to know that Im not hurting it. It does help economy in my Jetta. In warm weather it is at 54-57 mpg In the winter I get about 49 US m/g

[R.O.R-2.0]

Not sure if my reply will be relevant but I keep the handle pulled out all the time.  I find that it gives me about 5-10 mpg better economy. 

cold start advance does NOTHING once the engine is actually running.

quite impossible that it improves your economy..

[ORCoaster]

I am in second gear at 8mph 3rd at 15-18, 4th 20-25 and 5th at 30-35. Glad to know that Im not hurting it. It does help economy in my Jetta. In warm weather it is at 54-57 mpg In the winter I get about 49 US m/g

Arrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh.  You are driving like wd.  Stop that.

Wind that baby up and let the engine do it's work. 

Pulling the cold start lever out and driving with it out does nothing for mileage.  Well maybe in your case because you drive it like a tractor in a potato patch and not like a car on the street.  So only going those few miles an hour there may be some amount of advance going on there.  But I doubt it.

I think your timing is way off if you do indeed get better mileage with it out.  It only bumps the time a few degrees and then the internal pressure takes over and pushes that piston over to advance the timing. 

Do you have a gauge or know what amount of timing advance you run?  I would bet your internal pump pressure is off as well.  Gauge that too.

Still 49 mpg?  Can't argue with that. 

[shwak23]

Actually running or actually warm?


Also I don't have a cold start cable hooked up at all right now so the problem is not my cable being kinked.

Sent from my DROID X2

[damac]

You mean you have to take a tool to the lever on your pump to get it to move?   I haven't seen that on any pumps I have come across thus far, even one gummed up with wvo. 

If I was you I would take the pump completely apart, clean it and look for some part wear or something out of place.

I like the cold start lever myself.  In winter my manual says to pull it before cranking and hold the pedal down 1/3 of the way.  When I do this my car starts almost instantly after the first glowplug cycle and it seems to run better and smoother during warmup for a couple minutes before I take off and push the lever back in. 

I also don't get white diesel smoke out of the tailpipe during warmup beyond an initial cloud.

[shwak23]

Actually running or actually warm?


Also I don't have a cold start cable hooked up at all right now so the problem is not my cable being kinked.

Sent from my DROID X2

I have no idea what my question here refers to. Lol.

I got a proper cable hooked up. The lever moves but it is difficult without the stock handle/no handle. I have pulled it a few times and it seems to have loosened. I need to check again to make sure it is able to be pushed all the way back.

Sent from my DROID X2