** Merc Topaz 2.3 liter Cold Start Prob

[hermitrl]

I was given this car as payment for a job I did for a friend and man I wish I'd have gotten cash instead. Anyways--it cost me 1500 to safety check it for the road. Yesterday morning it was -20C and it refused to start---it would fire on a cylinder or 2 then die. I finally got it going after plugging the block heater in and an electric heater blowing on the engine all day.
I am looking for what parts affect the cold starting fuel mixture on this engine--does anyone know? It started this morning but barely catches and sputters until I can get the revs up. Thanks for any help.

 

[mysticclam]

What year is it? Those cars were carb'd, central Fuel injected and mulitport. I think the cars might have gone more years carb'd in Canada

 

[hermitrl]

Sorry--it's an 88 and fuel injected.

 

[mysticclam]

I had an 86 and an 87 CFI, I think yours is MPFI. I never had cold start problems as it is mild winters here. I have heard however that tempos dont do well starting when its really cold. I would check or replace the engine coolant temp sensor and air charge temp sensor. Also make sure you have oil for that temp. -20C is cold. Then just leave the block heater on it all the time.
I do beleive the computer just uses the ECT and ACT to decide when and how much to enrich the mixture.
Also, couldnt hurt to check the IAC and the TPS.