1960 convertible starting problems

[marcus dean]

My recently restored car (by others unknown) is difficult to start, it usually starts first turn but will not rev quickly enough and dies often takes quite a few attempts , once she is warmed up she idles ok and does not stall, seems like the choke does not stay on for long enough, i have oiled all the linkages etc. Once started she runs well and starts from hot OK and is excellent in all other respects - so far. Any ideas?

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Marcus,

Yes, sure sounds like the Choke isn't operating correctly.

Culd possible be that the coil spring in the cover on the side of the carby has been installed without the proper tensioning adjustment to keep the choke on, till the heat of the choke to manifold tube supplies heat to cause the bi-metallic spring to unload itself.

Bruce.

[marcus dean]

Bruce

Many thanks I will investigate with my shop manual when I get it.

Hope you find a 72.

Cheers

Marcus

[George 23923]

Marcus, If your car starts first time the choke operation must be good.
 The problem with stalling is likely the fast idle cam.
 Cars need a richer mixture and increased idle speed to run when they are cold.
  To check the fast idle,   open the throttle,   pull the choke closed.   The choke valve shaft that protrudes on the choke assembly side, should push an attached rod downwards to engage the fast idle cam... the cam has notches on it for different idle speeds. when the engine is cold the position of the cam should hold the throttle slightly open. The lever is adjusted by bending. As the car warms up the choke opens with spring pressure and warm air as Bruce said. ..As the choke shaft slowly rotates it changes the position of the fast idlle lever and lowers the idle speed.
  good luck.

[marcus dean]

George

Many thanks, I will try this, I think this is the type of problem you get with a recently restored car, the engine is still quite tight.
As you say the car fires first turn but then stalls, if you hold down the pedal to try and keep the revs up it is no better, only repeated turning over of the engine starts her, she runs rough but heats up after 30 - 60 seconds and runs well after that!
I follow the recommended starting procedure in the handbook, one pump and start without foot on gas etc

Regards

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Marcus,

When I used to start up my '60 CDV, I used to pump the pedal more than once whilst starting it up from cold.

Sometimes up to three or four times.

When it was hot, it would only take one pump was enough.

When an engine is cold, it requires a rich mixture, and that is what the choke is for.

Each car I have owned has required a different technique to start, so soon you will fing what yours needs.

Bruce.

[walt chomosh #23510]

Marcus,
  A faulty "heatriser"valve will cause a motor to run rough until it's warm.The valve should block the exhaust flow down one side until it warms up and opens.....walt #23510