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per a previous recent thread, my 88 L+ festiva with carb is still hard to start, but this is an update with new info if anyone can help:
UPDATE: STILL NEED HELP!
Installed new fuel pump yesterday, and cleaned and lubed carb linkage. No leaks from new pump. Also checked vacuum hoses and did not find anything loose or cracked.
This morning (Friday), I went to start car **(outside temp in the high 40's-low 50's)** using the usual method of one pump on gas pedal and cranking it. Did not start.
I went through the usual routine per the owners manual for cold start. Did not start.
Even holding the gas pedal to the floor did not start it.
I took off the air cleaner cover and looked at the choke: it seemed to be in the proper position for a cold start (almost closed in other words).
So, I got a ride to work and a ride back home.
I went out to the car when I got home (IMPORTANT: outside temp about 75).
Gave it one pump of the gas and cranked it....IT STARTED UP VERY QUICKLY.
As usual, once it starts it runs great; no flats spots, good acceleration, etc.
NOTE: it does idle higher than usual, at about 1500 rpm instead of about 1000.
So, it seems that the ambient temperature has something to do with this problem, and I have to think it's the carb, but this is driving me nuts. Carbs confuse me!
So to sum up:
* Usual starting procedure does not work when cold
* Choke seems to be working when pedal is pushed
* Car almost always starts on first or second try when outside temp is warm, and ALWAYS starts on first try when car itself has been running a while and engine is warmed up
* Choke seems to be working when pedal is pushed
* Idle speed is a bit high.
I was wondering about setting the choke using the normal procedure (for you guy/gals with carb'ed Festivas); when you press the pedal, do you do it quick and then release, or do you hold in on the floor for a second or two then release?
Thanks for your help so far, and I hope you can still help a bit more!!
Mark
UPDATE: STILL NEED HELP!
Installed new fuel pump yesterday, and cleaned and lubed carb linkage. No leaks from new pump. Also checked vacuum hoses and did not find anything loose or cracked.
This morning (Friday), I went to start car **(outside temp in the high 40's-low 50's)** using the usual method of one pump on gas pedal and cranking it. Did not start.
I went through the usual routine per the owners manual for cold start. Did not start.
Even holding the gas pedal to the floor did not start it.
I took off the air cleaner cover and looked at the choke: it seemed to be in the proper position for a cold start (almost closed in other words).
So, I got a ride to work and a ride back home.
I went out to the car when I got home (IMPORTANT: outside temp about 75).
Gave it one pump of the gas and cranked it....IT STARTED UP VERY QUICKLY.
As usual, once it starts it runs great; no flats spots, good acceleration, etc.
NOTE: it does idle higher than usual, at about 1500 rpm instead of about 1000.
So, it seems that the ambient temperature has something to do with this problem, and I have to think it's the carb, but this is driving me nuts. Carbs confuse me!
So to sum up:
* Usual starting procedure does not work when cold
* Choke seems to be working when pedal is pushed
* Car almost always starts on first or second try when outside temp is warm, and ALWAYS starts on first try when car itself has been running a while and engine is warmed up
* Choke seems to be working when pedal is pushed
* Idle speed is a bit high.
I was wondering about setting the choke using the normal procedure (for you guy/gals with carb'ed Festivas); when you press the pedal, do you do it quick and then release, or do you hold in on the floor for a second or two then release?
Thanks for your help so far, and I hope you can still help a bit more!!
Mark
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