I know this might not sound like a bad thing, but it is not normal compared to the two 97 Monteros we have, and to my knowledge, the engines are the same on the 99 Monteros as they are on the 97s.

In case folks didn't know, we bought a cherry red 99 montero loaded with every option. It has 80k miles on it with a new timing belt. water pump was not changed when they did the timing belt, why I don't know. overall, it is in good shape.

now when both my 97 monteros are cold and I go to start them, you have to crank the engine usually for at least 2-3 seconds before it kicks over.

well that is not true for this 99 montero. when it is cold, and you turn the key, almost immediately it kicks over. I am not sure why it would start like that. it just isn't characteristic of all the 3.5L monteros that we have in our family. even my brother's and my dad's 99 monteros both start like both of my 97 monteros, that is 4 monteros starting the same and then this 99 montero seems to want to kick over immediately when cold.

now when it is hot, it will crank like normal just like the other monteros we have.

anyone got any suggestions as to what would cause such a rapid turn over when cold?