Thread: TPI Expert? Warm start trouble

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I gotta start out by saying that I'm not much of a mechanic but I managed to transplant a TPI motor into my '55 Chevy pickup and get it running. I used a harness from Street & Performance... started right up and really had no problems, no codes.

So, here's the question - I have to crank it for a bit and hit the throttle for it to start when it's warmed up. But, barely turn the key when it's cold and it starts right up. It's not a big deal but doesn't seem right.

Any ideas on what I should look for first???

Originally Posted by mgj57

I gotta start out by saying that I'm not much of a mechanic but I managed to transplant a TPI motor into my '55 Chevy pickup and get it running. I used a harness from Street & Performance... started right up and really had no problems, no codes.

So, here's the question - I have to crank it for a bit and hit the throttle for it to start when it's warmed up. But, barely turn the key when it's cold and it starts right up. It's not a big deal but doesn't seem right.

Any ideas on what I should look for first???

Could be just a little heat soak in the TPI system. Yes, TPI systems, it does happen. My TPI/highly modified system does that a little as well. If you wanted too, you could try more spark in the initial timing on the chip and throw a little more fuel during startup if you are able to tune it. Other than that, you can't do much except for check TPS voltage, etc.

Thanks... I'll check that out. Maybe I can talk the Street & Performance guys to program a new chip for me.

Originally Posted by mgj57

Thanks... I'll check that out. Maybe I can talk the Street & Performance guys to program a new chip for me.

No offense on Street and Performance but I've heard bad things on their chips. I would try PCMforLess. I have one from LSRacingchips but he is better at the HSR than the TPI and PCMforless is better for TPI plus cheaper than S&P.

Had a customers Corvette do the same thing,
Was the fuel pressure regulator leaking.
Pull the vacuum hose off see if it is wet some times
it will smell like gas When it is a very small leak.

Thanks for the recommendations guys... I'll check them out next weekend and report back. As far as cooling goes, it was doing this with both thermostats I had in... the first one seemed to be always open and had a hard time getting warmer than 150 to 160. I posted a question about the new one . It's a 195 and the temp seems to cycle between 180 and 195 on my gauge (195 and 210 on the scanner - different sensors). Anyway, cooling probably is not it.

Fuel pressure regulator leak could be it... I'll chase that down. I may also try a chip from the other guys if I get desperate.