Balky Camry cold starts

My '94 4 cyl. making a weird "scuffing" noise when I start it cold. Then when it starts it clumps like it's hitting on three, then it smoothes out and it's fine. Warmer weather no problem. When it's started up in cold weather it's okay for the rest of the day.
Tonight in 15 degree weather, it almost didn't want to crank, but finally fired up.
My wife will no longer trust it, very fearful of being stranded somewhere.
Possible the flywheel?

 

I'm not sure about the scuffing sound you're referring to unless you have a starter going out. Are you saying the starter drags or sounds like it's grinding when it engages. If it's the latter, it could be the flywheel, but I would suspect the starter bendix first.

As far as the cold starting problems, I would suspect the cold start injector system. That is triggered by the water temp sensor.

Hope this helps,

Bob

 

It got a rebuilt starter last Spring. Thanks for steering me at the cold start injector, though I think it's possibly a series of problems. At 191K it's a senior citizen.
Will get back

 

191K is a Toyota kid

 

first.how long has it been sence you have had a tune up. if so, did you use oem plugs ,wires, cap, rotor? next if you have access to a scan tool. you should check baro., and make sure barometric pressure matches your current elevation table. make sure voltage readings are in range for map or maf sensor.also look at the iac (idle air control valve). these 2 things can cause poor start conditions. you can check fuel pressure(should be over 30psi) and see if pressure holds after engine shut off (drain back)
as far as the slow crank situation. test the cold cranking amps on your battery. alternator voltage output (around 14volts+/_ a half volt) if all is good then that re-man. starter can be polling to many amps

hope this helps

 

Thank you all very much for the inputs.
It is the flywheel. The Toyota mechanic who's serviced it through the years suspected it; not unheard of in Toyotas with
with this one's service, a city car, short hops, etc. etc.
Start, stop, start, stop.
FYI, he suggests that the ign. switch turned to 'on' without trying to start the car, push down on the brake, gently run the shift lever from park to low, through all the positions a few times to loosen things up, and then start. This did work this morning (19 deg. F.).
Failing this, he can file back the flange on the starter to in effect lengthen the gear inside to mesh up better with the flywheel. The cost of a flywheel R&R on this car is beyond consideration. Too bad, really. It only happens when it's biting, nasty cold outside.
Well, there you are.We'll be car shopping over the next weeks.
It is a buyers market right now.
Merry Christmas, and thanks again
Jim in Quincy MA