I did a normal oil change yesterday and left the car running for about 5 minutes while I checked for leaks around the filter and drain plug. After checking for leaks, I backed my car out of the shop stall and into the parking lot, and left it there for about 6 hours while I went back inside and helped a friend change a clutch.

When I came out to start the car, it wouldn't start until after about 2-3 minutes of intermittent cranking attempts. Normally this car starts first try with no problem. Later on, I noticed the fans were staying on, regardless of how hot or cold the engine was. Just turning the key to ACC, the fans come on and stay on until the key is in the off position.

Any clues as to what may be the problem? Im thinking a stuck thermostat or a bad fan relay, but the fact that it happened right after (as a result of?) an oil change is just weird.

 

I just went out to do some more troubleshooting. I removed the fan relays, and that doesnt seem to be it, as there is one relay for each fan and the other stays on if one is pulled. The normal temp is 90-96 degrees celcius, but the temp stays around 60-70 at idle and around 80-90 running hard.

I really need to figure this out now, as I have a 600mi drive in the morning with no option to delay it. It doesnt seem to be hurting anything, but you never know.

 

I'm thinking fan relay, try that first. As for happening after the oil change, that's probably just some wierd fluke.

Does it start up easier now?

 

I pulled the No 2 Sub-fan relay and both fans turned off (temp was around 60C). I plugged it back in and the fans didnt turn back on until temp reached 80C, which seems normal. After they turned on, they wouldnt turn off again, even after letting the engine get cold again and restarting. Im thinking thats the bad relay. Even if it is the relay, whats with the starting problem?

 

I dunno man, that sounds really wierd, does it always take a long time to start since you changed the oil? What does it sound like when it's trying to start? Does it crank over like normal? If so it has to either be having a hard time getting air, fuel or spark, probably one of the latter two. Maybe fuel filter, or coil pack(s) or maybe even your battery. I'd replace the relays first and see if that fixes your fan problem and the move on to the starting problem

Also, were you really born in 1902??

 

It only happened for the first two cold starts after that oil change, then it hasnt happened again. Strange.