1993 3.0 Starting Issue

[Auntbetty]

Essentially my issue is that upon startup my Hilux will take (what I think) excessive cranking and then will blow blue smoke for approximately 10 seconds before clearing up and running perfect. When it blows blue I'm assuming it's clearing out engine oil that has accumulated in the cylinders and while it's not super responsive I can pump the accelerator and the engine will respond. It never smokes otherwise and only does this if it sits for 6 hours or longer. The colder the temperature the worse everything is. Glow plugs and fuel filter replaced with no difference. I want to start with checking injectors for leaking but I find it odd that it runs fine otherwise with no sputtering or stalling or any rough running at any other time.

Any insight is gladly appreciated.

[bags]

Not un common especially on an aging motor, essentially what you may be getting is engine oil passing past worn rings in a stationary position. you are not experiencing continuious smoke as on start up you are burning a small amount which has accumulated over a number of hours. ensure you have not over filled your oil. possible fix new piston rings!

now the slow cranking, do you have batteries with the correct cold cranking amps or CCA as it is known. I have a 94 3.0L TD and I have 2 x 550CCA batteries, the vehicle needs all those amps to start engine especially in cold weather. in summer I can actually disconnect 1 Battery and it starts straight away.

[Auntbetty]

Yeah, that's a great possibility. It burns precious little oil and there's zero smoke any other time so until it gets worse I'm not going to worry too much about it. I guess I could get the compression tested...

RE. the cranking, it's not that it's slow it's just that it's a little long. I have dual batteries with 850CCA so I'm covered there. Those -30C mornings are a little tough sometimes!

[bags]

Do you have a fuel pre warmer? there should be a fuse for it under the bonnet.