SR20DET engine start issue - Apex PowerFC

[supra33202]

My 240SX S13:

1996 SR20DET Blacktop
Garrett GT2871r .64 turbo
Apex PowerFC standalone ECU
Nissan oem 740cc injectors
Walbro 255 fuel pump
Sard fuel regulator w/ gauge
Splitfire Direct Ignition Coils
Flex-a-lite fans
Koyo radiator

After drifting, I turned off the engine for cooling. After 2-3 minutes, I tried to start my car, but it couldn't start. I heard the injector noise, so I don't think I have fuel or injector problems. There was electricity. The engine didn't crank. The oil temp was about 70-80 deg C, and the water temp was about 110-117 deg C.

After resting the car for about 10 min, the oil temp was about 60-70 deg C and water temp was about 80-90 deg C. I cranked the engine 2 to 3 times in order to start the engine.

After further letting the engine rest, the engine started without issue.

So what could be the issue in the first place?

1) Simply because the engine is too hot. Apex PowerFC refuses to start the engine?
2) Apex PowerFC cranking setting?

Yfrog Image : yfrog.com/n1dsc00007wj - Uploaded by Imageshack user (http://yfrog.com/n1dsc00007wj)

3) Battery issue?
4) Motor starter issue?

My guess is number 2 Apex PowerFC cranking setting. I had issue with starting the engine in cold weather, so I increased the injector time.

I increased the PowerFC injector time "+80 deg C" and "+50 deg C" to "+14 msec", but the engine didn't start.

So I am not sure if I should continue play with the PowerFC cranking setting.

Thanks!

[Sileighty_85]

Sounds like the CTS (Coolant Temp Sensor) for the ECU (2 Prong plug), Test it and Replace as necessary according to the FSM

[supra33202]

Sounds like the CTS (Coolant Temp Sensor) for the ECU (2 Prong plug), Test it and Replace as necessary according to the FSM

Thanks for the comment.

I am wondering why you think Coolant Temp Sensor is the issue.

[Sileighty_85]

Cuz when the engine is cool the engine will run rich until a certain temp for warm up then lean out.

So if the sensor goes bad then the engine will flood when the engine is hot since the ECU is thinking the Engine is really cold, but when cooled down it will start like normal

[supra33202]

Cuz when the engine is cool the engine will run rich until a certain temp for warm up then lean out.

So if the sensor goes bad then the engine will flood when the engine is hot, but when cooled down it will start easier

Thanks!

I guess I will read:

1991-1994 240sx: Coolant Temperature Sensor gauge Tutorial : Nissan Online Mechanic (http://forums.nicoclub.com/1991-1994-240sx-coolant-temperature-sensor-gauge-tutorial-t254375.html)

And buy this if needed:

OEM Coolant Temp Sensor for Nissan S13 SR20DET [ oemcoolanttemp ] - Enjuku Racing - Performance Parts and High Quality Fabrication (http://enjukuracing.com/coolant-temp-sensor-nissan-sr20det-p-6463.html)

[gunmetalr32]

he beat me to it.. yup sounds like the cts cheap ez fix

[supra33202]

Thanks. I think I will get this one instead.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR S13 S14 ZENKI SR20DET NISSAN: eBay Motors (item 160444146030 end time Aug-10-10 09:24:00 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/COOLANT-TEMPERATURE-SENSOR-S13-S14-ZENKI-SR20DET-NISSAN-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem255b37616eQQitemZ16044 4146030QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries)

[supra33202]

Replaced the coolant temp sensor, and I have the same issue.

It seems to happen to frequent start/stop situation (10-20 min). My friend told me that the spark plug might be wet. So, I waited for about 1 to 2 min to crank my engine and floored the gas pedal. Then, it started fine.

So is it because the o-rings of injectors leak fuel the cylinders, and too much fuel makes the engine hard to create sparks?

That is why I needed to wait the extra unburned fuel to dry up, and floored the gas pedal to prevent more fuel injected to the cylinders. Is that correct?

Thanks!