Ok guys, I have a 2011 Base 5MT, and other than the blower resistor pack going, it has been flawless. 53,000 miles on it (mostly highway and long trips). The last few weeks it has not been starting as quickly as it use to. Before, just a tap of the key was enough to start it up. Now I have to hold it for a few seconds while it cranks. Curious what might be causing this?

The valves are a little noisy, I need to get in there and check them (want to do timing belt and coolant hoses on my other car, so it can pull DD use first). March 2013 I took it too a track day and flogged it hard for 60 miles on the track. Changed the oil last at 49,299 miles with 9,827 miles on the oil. Mobile 1 synthetic, 0w20. The oil analysis showed both aluminum and iron high at 21 and 19 parts per million respectivly (this was the oil in the car for the track day). Just want to get an idea of this is signs of things to come, or should I not worry about it?

Thanks!
x_25

 

Could be valves, battery, summer fuel blends (Steve244 mentioned this)

I remember because i'm having the same problem. I assume it's actually all three, because i'm almost at 100k on the factory battery and need to do the valves as well.

 

Not sure it is the battery, since it is cranking, speed wise, just as well as it ever has. Though I have killed it a few times leaving the lights on and once from letting the car sit for a few weeks (the weather was perfect the whole time and my other car is a Miata so...)

I did not know summer blend fuels could do that. Interesting. My miata actually starts up better than the fit at the moment though, and it is nearing 25 years old with 126,000 miles on it!

 

New battery (Dec 2013) in mine cranks it rapidly, but it has the summertime blues. Takes an extra second to fire up.

My theory involves longer fuel molecule chains, lower volatility, ULEV engines, and elves. The Miata's injection is more generous spraying fuel when cold.

It's normal, we have a spate of slow start threads (the car, not the forum) this time of year. The only thing in common is summer blend fuel.

 

Interesting. I just find it odd since this is the first year it is doing this. And my other car doesn't seem affected. Then again, it starts in open loop mode and runs rich until it is fully up to temp.

 

Might be selective memory but I remember thinking last summer that it didn't stumble as much when starting cold. 2012 was a good year for summer fuel. It's very noticeable this year, started about a month ago. Starting in the mornings either takes longer (feels awkward) or multiple attempts.

 

It just isn't in the morning for me, but yeah, it started about a month ago for me as well. Odd. Oh well, they really just need to pick a fuel and stick with it...

 

it was explained to me by my 9th grade science teacher. They make winter fuel more volatile so it will start easier in cold weather. This type fuel evaporates faster (more volatile, bien sur!) so it isn't as desirable in summer conditions as it adds to unburned hydrocarbon pollution.

I was an impressionable 9th grader though.

 

Ha, Mr. Jordan (Stratford Central Secondary) was right!