328 hard start when cold

I had a problem with my 328 couple days ago that when the car was cold, it was difficult to get it started. I mean it took a few times cranking it for
some time to get it started. Once it did start it ran fine. The symtoms were the first attempt starting it would run for about 3 seconds or so at ~500 rpms and quit. Then I've have to engage the starter over and over to get the engine to run.

I shut it down hot and attempted to restart the car, it started as it always did. First time effortlessly, just have to bump the switch.

Just wanted to know if anyone else has had that kind of start issue. Also, from a cold start shouldn't the idle be over 1000rpms, something like 1500 plus and then gradually idle back to 1000? Kind of new to Ferrari, Porsche I know.

Thanks
Tim

The Kjet can have several things wrong with cold start issues, such as lack of fuel pressure, a sticking airflow sensor plate, aux air valve sticking, your cold start injector not working, bad thermotime switch, sticking control plunger or plugged injectors.Electric connections could also effect some of these components so check your connections to each also.

I would reccommend getting a book on Bosch fuel injection, I got one from Barnes and Noble for $20 by Watson on "How top modify and tune Bosch FI", you'll need some tools such as a fuel pressure tester but you can diagnose issues like these yourself and test your system for failed parts and determine the causes which is hard to do without seeing the car in person and performing tests.

Here is an on-line source for some basic information on how your FI works:
http://www.auto-solve.com/mech_inj.htm

It does not include the O2 sensor feedback loop, but gives you the basics on cold and hot start and running.

This can be helpful:
http://www.auto-solve.com/mech_inj.htm

Thanks guys, I'll probably end up buying some books.
Just thought someone out there has had this kind of issue before.
Tim

I took the Aux Air Valve off and cleaned it, checked its operation and heat strip resistance. Cleaned the
throttle body, check some vacuum line connections. It hasn't stalled cold starting since??? One thing confuses me, other than the fact that I really didn't do much to it.
When it starts immediately from cold, the idle is at ~800-1000rpms then the idle starts increasing up to ~1500rpms after about 3-6 seconds. After it warms up I have to rev the engine once and it idles perfectly at 1000rpms. My question is, is this the way that FI system functions. I have nothing to compare it to. You figure it would reduce the idle speed by itself after a minute or two... and the idle at cold start should be around
1500rpms immediately.

Something's not right, right :-)
Thanks,
Tim

Maybe a air leak somewhere, my 328 when started cold runs about 1050 rpm then settles down to about 900-950 rpm when warm.

I found the problem. All related to Aux Air Valve.
Intermittant ground on the side of the bi-metal strip connector for the valve. Evidently when I was removing the air valve to clean and test it I disturbed something in the connector? I fixed it and the car will come off high idle in about 1min 30 seconds. idles perfectly.... for now. Thanks Jeff, Dave.