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Hard start - 2003 Prado 120

Namibian

New Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2021
Messages
1
Country Flag
namibia
Hi All

I had my 5VZ-FE engine overhauled by a very reputable shop - but recently I started having a hard start every now and again. I asked them to investigate, they tested the injectors and told me the injectors need replacing.

My first question is: Would they not necessarily have replaced the injectors with an overhaul?

Secondly - how do I know that this really is the problem?

I have noticed a definite pattern. First thing in the morning, it always starts easily. I drive a very short distance to work, so the engine hardly has time to warm up, but then if I start it mid- or late morning, or even early afternoon, it cranks for a good few seconds until it starts. If I don't use it all day, then in the evening when I leave it would start easily again.

Also, if I start it within 10 minutes of driving, while the engine is still hot, it also starts easily.

I have been racking my brain to try and make sense of this pattern, but cannot figure it out with my limited mechanical knowledge. Is it related to temperature? Then why does a cold start in the morning and a warm engine start both happen easily? Why the hard start after standing for just a few hours?

I live in Namibia - hot and dry in the summer, mild and dry in the winter. Seasons do not seem to affect this pattern.

Is this an issue with the injectors?

Any insight or advice would be much appreciated.


Examples:
Hard Start : https://www.nomistake.co.za/hard start.mp4
Normal Start : http://www.nomistake.co.za/light start.mp4
 
You can check the injectors using techstream. Not sure on the tolerances for yours, but that's where I would start.
 
CPS?

That link for hard start needs to be on http instead of https I think!
 
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