Sputtering on startup, fine after that...

[a_riot]

My VR6 sputters on starting after sitting awhile. It might take a number of turnovers to get going and then sputters for a few seconds, then once running is fine. It sounds/feels like a vacuum leak but then I would expect it to happen all the time. My other thought was a leaky injector. Car could probably use a tune up which I will do soon but typically runs well. Any one experienced this?

[a_riot]

Replaced all vacuum hoses and checked for other intake leaks. So far so good, I'll see if this continues.

[masterqaz]

running rich on cold startups? - cts

[a_riot]

running rich on cold startups? - cts

Is that the blue one?

[thollandvw]

yes, two pin.

[a_riot]

yes, two pin.

This little fella?




Can I replace it with the engine cold or will I get coolant spilling out all over the place?

[youlostme21]

Yes that lil guy, you'll lose a lil tiny bit of coolant but not too much.
Sounds like an injector is leaking down into the cyl. If you have a fuel pressure gauge you can hook it up and see if psi drops over night. The system should hold atleast 30 in the line for startup. When the psi bleeds off you;ll get a long crank cause there is no fuel in the rail.
It will also sputter casue of all the fuel that is now sitting in the cyl with the leaking injector.

Any codes?
You can pull the fuel rail out, leaving the lines connected, and turn the key to the RUN position a couple times to build up psi. Then lay down a piece of cardboard or paper towel under the injectors and see which one shows signs of fuel leaking out.

[a_riot]

Yes that lil guy, you'll lose a lil tiny bit of coolant but not too much.
Sounds like an injector is leaking down into the cyl. If you have a fuel pressure gauge you can hook it up and see if psi drops over night. The system should hold atleast 30 in the line for startup. When the psi bleeds off you;ll get a long crank cause there is no fuel in the rail.
It will also sputter casue of all the fuel that is now sitting in the cyl with the leaking injector.

Any codes?
You can pull the fuel rail out, leaving the lines connected, and turn the key to the RUN position a couple times to build up psi. Then lay down a piece of cardboard or paper towel under the injectors and see which one shows signs of fuel leaking out.

Thanks for the insight. No codes of course I will do as you mention. Changing the sensor is no biggie so I will do that and then check the injectors too. Car runs well otherwise so I want to get this looked after. I don't have a fuel pressure gauge but might have to pick one up.