Morning guys. I have NO idea how to phrase this so I'm throwing this out there. Basically...

When engine is cold, engine starts "normally". Turn the key, I hear the starter, I hear the exhaust and engine revs to life.

When engine is hot, engine starts "SILENTLY". Turn the key, NO starter noise, No exhaust, engine just comes alive and revs normally. Engine starts every time so it's not like the engine doesn't start.

YES, this sounds WEIRD. I've been successfully addressing other issues over the past few months (thank you all) and this particular "issue" has been present since I bought the TA in June.

It's an '86 LG4 TA 5-speed with new plugs, wires, cap/rotor and rebuilt factory Q-Jet.

I would appreciate any thoughts. Thank you all.

 

What is the idle RPM when the engine is started hot?

 

Between 7 and 7.5K

 

You probably mean 700-750 rpm. 7k is well beyond redline.
It starts hot correct? Nevermind the 'lack of sound', it does start? I'm not exactly sure what you're seeing as a problem yet.

 

Yes 7 to 750, my bad.

And yes it starts, i just dont hear the exhaust when I start the warm engine. Nor do I hear the starter spin like when I start the engine cold.

I appreciate the feedback. It's just something I've never experienced in my 36 years of car ownership. Something is off when I start the engine warm eventhough it starts.

Thank you guys.

 

Maybe video the key and tach when you start it and post it? I'm not sure what you're seeing as a problem just yet. If it starts then it's mechanically doing it's job. I'm not sure what no sounds has to do with a problem, but a decent video can probably say hundreds of things that are hard to convey.

 

How long do you hold the key for cold and hot?

Could be its just cranking longer in the mornings...and when it hots it starts right up. Mine does that.

Idle is probably higher when cold...and when its hot the idle is lower so you don;t hear it.

Video would be helpful.

 

'Might need to go get a hearing test, because what you're describing is totally illogical...

 

I have a theory that just might be a little off the wall. Cold start is usually morning, typically it is quiet outside. So easy to hear the starter cranking and the engine running.

Hot start, later in the day, now it is noisier outside. Can't hear the engine/car as well over the ambient noise.

As I said, off the wall, but there is truth to the ambient noise levels changing over the course of the day & night...

RBob.

 

I get what he means. My buddy's 84 15th anniversary was similar.... hit the key hot and the engine turned over like 2 revolutions and it was running, choke was full open so no fast idle... just kinda purred to life...never had a problem with that car...

 

My 83 G20 van was like 1/4 turn and it was running when it was hot. Takes a second or so of cranking to get the fuel into the cylinders cold.

 

My 83 G20 van was like 1/4 turn and it was running when it was hot. Takes a second or so of cranking to get the fuel into the cylinders cold. Starter is also under alot less drag when the engine is hot.

 

Op should just go with the assmption his car is running really wel land not to worry about it lol

 

Heavy ear wax buildup

 

Yes this is almost exactly correct. I simply don't hear the "exhaust fire" when the engine starts. I appreciate it.

 

Yes true. Thanks man.

 

You could have a faulty damper balancer with differents vibrations ranges = sound variations.

 

the damper does it's job so well the exhaust is too quiet for the OP to hear? That doesn't make any sense.