Starting your car after switching to e85..takes several attempts

[TX_Snake_08]

2008 GT500, switched to e85 about 9 months ago when I upgraded to a 4.7L KB.

ID1300s
Fore Level 4

For the first 4-5 months the car would start first crank. Now, I have become accustomed to it taking 4-5 attempts to get the car fired up and running (first few attempts ending in backfires that sound like gunshots).

My question is....is there anything I can do maintenance wise to improve how my car starts? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[VNMOUS1]

Fresh O2s
Fresh plugs
Tune revision


bj

 

[TX_Snake_08]

Fresh O2s
Fresh plugs
Tune revision


bj

Plugs have been swapped a few times now, could try the O2s and tune revision

 

[Bad500Chris]

How cold is it outside when you fire it up?
The lower the air temp outside plus the higher ethanol content will cause a longer delay in starting up.

 

[2010 Red&white]

Time for a Tune check-up

 

[69b302]

What is your fuel pressure during starts? I ended up putting a hobbs switch in to help on voltage issues my fuel system was causing. Running the pumps when not needed, also heats up the fuel. Do you run all the pumps full time? Do you ever switch to run gas or put in any injector cleaners? Some people do get residue on the injectors, from E85, but I have not had that issue myself. It does not sound tune related, since it started good for a while.

 

[TX_Snake_08]

I live in Houston so that really hasn't been an issue. Its ranged from 80-90 degrees to 50ish.

 

[TX_Snake_08]

What is your fuel pressure during starts? I ended up putting a hobbs switch in to help on voltage issues my fuel system was causing. Running the pumps when not needed, also heats up the fuel. Do you run all the pumps full time? Do you ever switch to run gas or put in any injector cleaners? Some people do get residue on the injectors, from E85, but I have not had that issue myself. It does not sound tune related, since it started good for a while.

I will have to take down the fuel pressure next time. Run all the pumps full time, haven't switched to run gas or used any injector cleaners. Will have to try that. Any injector cleaner you suggest?

 

[Bad500Chris]

I live in Houston so that really hasn't been an issue. Its ranged from 80-90 degrees to 50ish.

Oh, I was more thinking like ~30 degrees.
I'd check in with the tuner.

 

[ZOMBEAST]

Tell us the details about the fuel.

 

[TX_Snake_08]

Tell us the details about the fuel.

e85. I always test before I put it in. Never put anything less than true e85 in it.

 

[2011 gtcs]

My car doesn't like to start when its cold on E85. I'm switching to brisk GR12s plugs. what plugs are you running

 

[TX_Snake_08]

I believe they are the NGK Iridium

 

[TORQJNKY]

Yeah, I'd do everything BJ said. I've run the same set up for about 3 years now using NGK TR8ix plugs and it starts first crank every time in cold or hot weather. I use Fore pump controller with one pump full time with the additional two pumps kicking in using the hobbs switch.

 

[Blackmax]

I have the same issue and was told by others its the return fuel set up, mine takes a couple of times to start then pops and coughs before settling in.