Starting from cold probs

Post by **zippy500** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:12 am

I am having real problems starting the engine from cold, even if I have used the car the previous day. I m rapidly loseing faith in the car.

It just keeps turning over without firing, once started (10mins later) the engine runs fine.

I have checked and double checked everything, plugs, points new leads,ht cap, fresh fuel.

I get the impression thats its constantly flooded, with the smell of fuel!

Any ideas PLEASE

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:46 am

First off - is the engine cranking over smartly on the starter - or only turning slowly? Slow would indicate poor battery/poor starter/poor connections and/or earth lead connections. Are you sure the choke is working correctly - when you pull the knob, does the jet drop down about 1/2" ? Also- check to make sure the piston inside the carb is moving ok and not sticking. It should lift with finger pressure - and drop down nicely. Overall - is the engine in good condition with good compressions - may be worthwhile getting a compression check done. And it's always worthwhile having a go over the valve clearances.

Post by **zippy500** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:04 am

The Battery is new, Starter turns OK.

I Assume the engine is ok getting 60 on the oil pressure gauge

How do I check/look for the jet drop, piston inside the carb?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:41 pm

Look (or feel) under the carb while soemone pulls the choke cable - the jet should drop about 3/8 - 1/2 inch. Piston - remove air cleaner and it's right there in the mouth of the carb - lift it with your finger. If it's stuck down (or very tight) it can restrict air into the engine for starting. If you unscrew the little black plastic nut (brass on early cars) on top of the carb and with draw the little damper piston - then the main piston should rise very easily and drop back with a 'thunk'. Also - out some 3 in 1 oil in the top before replacing the little damper.