So my 95 With the 351 has been very hard to start since it's been -16 to 10 degrees long cranks and sometimes no start ( thinking I'll burn up the starter ) has had plugs wires cap rotor and fuel filter put in it within the last 15,000 miles when it does start ( after not wanting to in the cold ) it'll idle at 300-500 RPMS and want to shut off unless I hold the throttle for a few seconds ( revving it to about 1,000-1,200 ) then it'll idle normal. Anyone have any idea what I should start with? ( full tank of fuel )

 

I would measure your fuel pressure on one of those cold mornings. I know it won't be fun.Measure the priming pressure first by cycling the key w/o starting. Might be a marginally operating fuel pump.

 

I always turn the key on and wait until the lights on the dash go off. The fuel pumps are both original from my knowledge and one of them is on the way out so it could be a possibility..

 

Couple of ideas -

1) Roll the key from Off to On 3, 4, 5 times before rolling on to Start, allowing the 2-second fuel pump charge to complete each time before going again. Had a similar problem with mine, this seemed to get me by, never was ambitious enough to dig into it further.

2) Check your idle air control (IAC) solenoid. While I don't hear of as many problems with the Gen9's ('92-'96), my Gen8 ('87-'91) would gunk up pretty regular, requiring cleaning every other year or so. Make sure the chamber is clear so that the piston can move freely back-n-forth, carb cleaner works well.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

Okay thank you. It might be the IAC or the TPS a few days ago it would high idle 1,100 or so in park and idle at 800 or so in drive ( almost fast enough to shift into 2nd without touching the gas ) I'd have to snap the throttle to get it to idle down at operating temp in park

 

For a high-idle, in addition to the IAC, may also have a look inside the throttle body to ensure no carbon or gunk interfering with the butterfly closing against its stop. Don't mess with the stop unless you like heapin' helpins of heartburn - it can be adjusted, but better off leaving it alone, only there to prevent the butterfly from wedging in the throat. Also, make sure the throttle cable isn't hanging, preventing the butterfly from closing fully. Then, there's always that favorite - vacuum leak - causing high idles.