engine won't run without choke

[millsy13]

I recently rebuilt my '66 morris minor engine, striped completely re gaskerted new wiring loom, water pump, sparkplugs, re paint etc. However I am now struggling to get her going again the engine will not work without the choke being on as soon as the choke is is off the engine cuts out, I have moved her in and out of the garage with the choke on but she's sluggish and has no power. Any idea I am at my wits end a three week rebuildis now closing in on twenty two weeks, feeling more and more like I won't see my car on the road ever again.

[Chipper]

First off, ensure you have sufficient oil in the dashpot - engine oil is fine, and the level should be up to the top of the central piston (don't worry if you overfill it - it will just burn off).

Check the carb settings are correct:

http://sucarb.co.uk/technical-hs-type-c ... djustments

Was any work done on the carb while the engine was undergoing work?

They quite often do need a bit of choke, but you should only need it for a short time at this time of year.

[chickenjohn]

You may have a vacuum leak, perhaps a perished breather hose that goes into the inlet manifold or even a perished manifold gasket.

If your car has the "mushroom" emmissions device then the rubber diaphragm can perish over time and let air in where it is not wanted. The diaphragms are available new from the usual suppliers.

[bmcecosse]

You sure the spark plug leads are on correct order 1342 anticlockwise round the dizzy cap ? Valve gaps set correctly?? Head torqued down again and gaps re-set ?

[bmcecosse]

You sure the spark plug leads are on correct order 1342 anticlockwise round the dizzy cap ? Valve gaps set correctly?? Head torqued down again and gaps re-set ?