Thanks for the input Mike. I don't think it's the engine since I had a full
tune up, timing belt, valve adjustment done at 85K (only ~30K) ago. Since
this problem is a 2+ year old problem that seams to get worse, I have to
believe it is isolated to an area in the powertrain other than the engine. I
just had a fluid change in the transmission 2K ago too. Although I suppose
it could be related to fuel injectors if they react to cold weather. Summer
is not a problem and the symptom does not exist then. Any other thoughts?
Thanks again.
Troy
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
news:9YydnchT2MG_JSzcRVn-2g@sedona.net...
> "Troy Lumley" <Troy.Lumley@cox.net> wrote in message
> news
lcsd.173676$bk1.7688@fed1read05...
> > Hello Everyone,
> >
> > I've been experiencing a strange but worsening problem each winter
> > (Arizona
> > Winter). When the car is cold, in 30-40deg. weather, the take off in
first
> > gear is not smooth and the car actually 'shudders' somewhat. After the
car
> > has warmed up to normal operation temperature the problem goes away. I
> > took
> > it to a transmission shop and they think my clutch is okay. I was
> > concerned
> > because I took it to a 1/4 mile track and abused it a little and thought
> > my
> > clutch was slipping. I have 116K miles on it now and I don't expect it
to
> > drive like brand new, but this problem only seams to be worsening. Any
> > experience with a similar problem or have insight on what may be causing
> > this? Thanks in advance with any help / suggestions you can offer.
> >
> > Troy
> >
> >
> I have had this symptom in cars where the engine was getting funky. In my
> old Volvo it was usually the points (that's how old it was!) and in my
300ZX
> it was the injectors. In both cases the problem wasn't much better when
the
> engine was warm, but I could see that happening. The 300ZX responded to a
> bottle of injector cleaner every time (with about a hundred miles of
> driving), but if it has been a while since the last tune-up it's probably
> time for that, too. I think once you get the engine in good form the
clutch
> won't feel grabby at take-off.
>
> If you want to be sure it is the engine or it is the clutch, let the
engine
> warm up sitting in the driveway and see if the first takeoff is smooth. If
> it is, look to the engine; if not, must be the clutch.
>
> Mike
>
>