[alfa] Continue Saga... 24V starting issue...

[hagen_jason@xxxxxxxxxxx]

OK, I am wondering if I am going crazy and chasing a "problem" which isn't actually a problem and cannot be solved.  Please share your perspectives on this issue.
I own a 24V 164Q.  It typically takes 3 to 6 seconds of cranking to get it to start.  Warm or cold, it behaves the same.  1 out of 10 times it fires up instantly.  It always runs perfect once started.
Is this normal starting for the 24valves?  My father's 164S starts in an instant.  Should I expect the 24V to start slower?  Is it inherent to the 24V and the way Alfa has set it up?
I have been through the entire system.  Literally.
No air leaks whatsoever.  Have swapped out AFM, constant air motor, new OEM NGK plugs, tested each coil individually (they each throw a spark about an inch long!), swapped out ignition modules, ECU, new coolant temp sensor, checked all relevant wires back to ECU for continuity.  I had all injectors cleaned and matched.  I get power to the injectors the instant I turn the key.  Same seems to be true for ignition as well.  The car has almost perfect emissions levels.  I have cleaned almost every fuse and contact in the system, replaced fuel pump and motronic relays, checked fuel pressure, replaced fuel filter, put a shunt in across the fuel pump (as a test) during start up to ensure the pump is running.  Have checked all cam timings, etc. Checked intake air sensor. Blah, blah, blah.
What could I be missing?  Is this just the way these cars start?  Sometimes it will fire right up, but perhaps this is normal, and all conditions are perfect at that moment).  One thing I noticed is that the car disk calls for a pin 55 at the ECU and notes it as an Ignition Ground.  There is no such pin or wire on my car.  Perhaps nothing, but could be a floating ground if this really needed to be present.
Again, the car always starts in no more than 6 seconds of cranking and is usually helped by depressing the gas pedal.  No fault codes.

I have probed on this issue before, but now having changed everything but the coil packs (which, again I tested and appear to be working perfectly and never misfire during running).  My only thought is that they may be arcing through the boot during initial cranking and then finally firing across the plugs.
Thanks for listening... Any thoughts welcome. Especially the experiences of those currently driving the 164 24 valves and whether theirs fire up instantly all the time...
--
Jason Hagen 
Chicago, IL 
'73 Spider 
'95 164Q 
'91 164S
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