Need help with cold starting problem

[Mike Costantini]

I have a 1993 300e 2.8L gasoline. Im in Chicago and the weather just started getting cold. I'll crank the engine 3 or 4 times, and then only starts after I press the gas pedal. I've been told the engine doesn't have a cold start valve.

I use premium gas and its got new stock plugs.

Any ideas for me?

[Gilly]

This will sound strange, but try a tank of mid-grade instead of premium.

Is the car driving daily? Sometimes an old batch od summer blended fual can also cause this.

Gilly

[Mike Costantini]

Daily driver always filled with 93 octane per the manual. I'll try mid range gas next time, but why?

[Gilly]

Had a few cars with the 104 motor that would act like this; false starts when cold, etc, and the regional tech rep had us try the midgrade, and I'll be darned if it didn't fix a few of them.

Gilly

[manny]

Gilly

How about this theory:
Lower grade fuel = lower octane = easier to ignite.
My thoughts anyway.
I've been telling people for years, to drop down one notch on octane, for easier starting in the winter.

[Gilly]

Manny
Sounds like sound reasoning to me..........

Gilly

[Mike Costantini]

I'm going to try this next fill. I'll let you know. Thanks a lot!

[Mike Costantini]

Manny and Gilly

I have tried a lower grade of octane and the starting problem has'nt been fixed. Engine still requires multiple cranks and working the gas pedal to get it started.

Any other ideas that may work?