98 Contour cold starting

[CNGRocks]

My 98 contour will not start in CNG when it is cold but will after the engine warms up. The light stays green. I have changed the filter a few months ago. It just started doing this when the weather started getting cold. Any Ideas?

[CNGRocks]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

I tried flushing the injectors with 91% rubbing alcohol. It seemed to help a little. It did start while cold in CNG but I had to crank it for a while. Next I will try changing the spark plugs I hope it is not as hard as changing the plugs on my F-150.

[JimboC]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

I have the same issue with the same year Contour. Looking forward to any responses

[Amfuel]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

No experience with a contour but in general. The regulator is warmed by the engine fluid to stop frost in the line as the pressure is reduced from high pressure to low pressure. The frosting can increase in cold weather as the gas passes through a cold regulator. It is not generally an issue till it gets to 0 degrees. That is what is sounds like to me since it runs when the engine warms up. Maybe some excess moisture in the gas? I hope this will give you some ideas to solve the issue. Do you guys fill from the same supplier?

[CNGRocks]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

It is getting worse and has to be really warm before it will start in CNG. If it is water in the lines does anyone have sugestions on what to do to fix the problem. I am thinking of filling the filter bowl full with 91% alcohol and running it until it is gone instead of running it for a short time then removing it. Does anybody know if this will cause problems? Thanks for any help.

[JimboC]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Last fill was in North Salt Lake. Ran fine. Temp was in 50 degree weather, recent cold spell, put it in the 40's for me and would not start on CNG, but after running for 10 minutes or so, no problem on CNG.

[locosmotion]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Does it do it in gasoline mode or just CNG?? I have been having the similar trouble. (Runs rough for the 1st 30 seconds or wont start since its gotten cold) Mine is the head gasket pulled the plugs last night when it was acting up and there is antifreeze in cyls #1 and 2.

[CNGRocks]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Changed the spark plugs. The old ones were worn but seemed to have normal wear. Still would not start in CNG unless the engine was warm. I ran about a third of a bowl of 91% alcohol through the CNG system it did not seam to help.

[Lancer Automotive Group]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Take it to your local shop and have them check the pressure on the low side. This will help to decide what side of the system seem to be failing.

[locosmotion]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Correct. The high pressure regulator could be getting sticky and since it is heated with engine coolant that could cause it to un-stick once the engine is warm.

[CNGRocks]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Is there a way to fix the regulator from sticking or would I have to replace it. Thanks for your post.

[Lancer Automotive Group]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Unfortunally all the ones we have seen come into our shop we have had to replace.

[CNGRocks]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

Do you know how much a high pressure regulator cost? Trying to decide if I should fix it or deal with it not running on CNG until it gets warm. Thanks

[Lancer Automotive Group]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

You are looking about $950 +/- $20.

[CNGRocks]

Re: 98 Contour cold starting

I think I will just live with it for now. Maybe keep my eyes open for a used regulator. Thanks