Mitsubishi: Start /stall

I still have it on the news server I log into.
Here's his reply.

"Nirodac Yar" <com> wrote in message
news:iRRqd.20572$.. 

Hard starts on cold ambient often occurs when the coolant temp sensor is
either not connected or the coolant is low. The ECU tries to compensate and
fails miserably. Make sure that you don't have an air lock in the coolant,
and that the temp sensor connections are good.

Brown oil? Probably normal as the crud in the engine mixes with the new oil.
However ... is there an oil gallery immadiately adjacent to the water pump
gasket?

Stewart DIBBS


"Nirodac Yar" <com> wrote in message
news:0nard.24522$.. 

Thanks Richie for the repost.

Tried the car yesterday, it started fine, tried today, one failed start,
then it started, maybe it is the weather. I don't drive this car, it's my
sons car. I just drive it when I repair it.
Oil gallery near the water pump, oh don't say that. I used plenty of gasket
seal compond on the water pump gasket (didn't think I'd have to visit this
component again) and I tried to see the gasket from all angles before the
final tightening of the bolts.
Checked the oil filler cap on top of the valve cover, and there is just the
slightest hint of an off white material.
Now I've seen this before (on my old straight 6 Gremlin) and all it was, was
moisture from the air being sucked into the valve cover (by design). Saw it
before that on my Sunbeam, just before the bearings went at 49,000 miles.
But considering this car has 260,000 Km, I'm thinking (well maybe hoping)
it's the head gasket.
Can anyone check, or does anyone know, if there is a oil gallery next to the
water pump. I didn't think so, but I could be wrong.
Any comments??
Thanks


"Richie Rich" <net> wrote in message
news:supernews.com... 
it 
and 
oil. 

"Nirodac Yar" <com> wrote in message
news:J0wrd.254225$.. 

Do a compression test and a leak down test on each cylinder. If there's a
gasket problem, it will probably show up. And gasket problems will get
worse.

When it runs, does the temp run higher then it used to? Does the engine seem
to be running soemwhat better than it used to? Both are symptoms of a
coolant leak.

How about a new roughness in the engine? This happens only when coolant is
leaking into cylinder.

Inspect the plugs for a marked difference in colour. Normal for an old
engine is dark brown to black (oil burning). If its burning coolant, the
plug will likely be a lighter colour.

When the engine is hot, drip a bit of oil from the dip stick onto the
exhaust manifold. If its just oil, it will smoke. Depending on the water
content, it will bubble.

Finally, now that the new oil has had time to circulate, drain it out and
refill, then see how long it takes for the colour to change.

All the above is easier and cheaper than pulling the head off, though at
260,000, it probably time for a head refurbish anyway.

Stewart DIBBS
www.vysor.com/lancerproject