b77 308 Takes a long time to start up

1862 Views 6 Replies 0 Participants Last post by Arnaud, Nov 5, 2003

Discussion Starter · Nov 3, 2003

Well, it looks like I may have

Well, it looks like I may have my first issue and before I get into it, I thought I'd run it by everyone here first.

When I first got the car it would start right up when I cranked it. Basically..

1. Turn Key to allow pump to run 10-15 seconds. Tap peddle twice.
2. Turn Key to start, turns over 1-3 seconds (at most) and fires up. Once warm, runs and idles great (idles ~600 RPM which seems to be a little low).

Over the weekend, and the weather is a ~15 deg colder mind you, and it was quite humid this past weekend.

1. Turn Key to allow pump to run 10-15 seconds. Tap peddle twice.
2. Turn Key to start, turns over 4-5 seconds before starting (mentally turn a key and count to 5 - it's longer than you think). Once warm, runs and idles great (idles ~600 RPM which seems to be a little low).

Someone mentioned the points may be fouled. I'm thinking that maybe the timing is also a little off because the idle is so low. The carbs are also a little rich (which would affect running more than starting).

It seems the car needs a good tune up, including cleaning the points and checking the condenser & plugs, checking the carbs and the timing. This weekend I'll be replacing the clutch cable, & changing the oil so that seems like it would be a good time to do those other items.

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Nov 3, 2003

Sean,

I think you need more

Sean,

I think you need more gas in the engine.

I wait until it pumps up and then FOUR strong pedal strokes to prime the engine. Not taps but almost full pedal strokes.

Then as you let off the gas totally and crank the engine be ready to lightly press the throttle to "catch" the engine as the fuel prime ignites.

Any other carb car owners input??

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 3, 2003

I think a tune up is pretty mu

I think a tune up is pretty much in order, but having owned other carbed vehicles (not Ferraris) I do think you need to feed more gas by more than taps and also feathering while cranking, as Speedy308 has pointed out.

Cheers

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 3, 2003

One thing I have noticed after

One thing I have noticed after a humid spell followed by cooler weather is that moisture can build up inside the distributor cap. This happens on my Boxer once a year.

I would suggest loosening the distributor cover and blowing a stream of compressed air into the cover and distributor itself. You don't need a lot of pressure just enough to remove any moisture that may have built up.

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 4, 2003

Well, I checked the dist. caps

Well, I checked the dist. caps and no moisture, so I tightened everything back down, turned the key and waited a good 20-30 seconds, the VROOM. Fired right up with almost no hesitation.

The idle is still a little low, but I plan on addressing that when I do some service work starting in about a month.

thanks for the suggestions.

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 5, 2003

I don't use the choke on m

I don't use the choke on my '78 GTS and rely on pumping the throttle to start up. I use two to three long strokes on the pedal and it usually fires right off. Because I am reluctant to rev the engine much when it is cold it usually quits after start up a couple of times. I like to make sure there is plenty of oil pressure up before hitting higher RPM's.

In short I would say mine is 'Coldblooded'.

A little WD40 in the distributor caps and a wipe down helps with moisture problems. (The WD stands for Water Displacement).

Verification of proper tune would be a good idea, (even if you think it's okay), if for no other reason but to eliminate possible causes for abnormal performance. Shortens troubleshooting exercises in the future.

Good luck Sean. I went through the same thing with mine and after 4 months of cleaning, checking, fixing and rechecking I have become aquinted with my car thoroughly. This has helped eliminate alot of mystery about the car and has enhanced the relationship I had with the car through the summer. 3,000 miles in 4 months and it didn't skip a beat while running with the big boys. What a sweet engine at 6,000 RPM!

DJ

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 5, 2003

Funny, my car is that differen

Funny, my car is that different that it idle high 1200rpm, but start OK...
I know that I need to check the points on back bank distributors, and level in 2 of my carbs

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