4 replies to this topic

[BTA168]

It's been quite cold the last few days and being 'naive' as I am, I thought my car just wouldn't start as it was too cold and gave up after trying. This has only happened in the last 3 days and has started only once since!
The car wouldn't start and the turnover gradually went slower? Maybe a weak spark? I checked the spark plugs and it was covered in a little bit of oil I think. Now I'm to believe that I may have flooded the carburettor and not sure what to do now! :S How do you remove the float chamber (as I'm not great minded in the engine aspects of the car).

Also on a cold start day, how are you meant to use the choke cable properly and will pumping the accelerator whilst choke fully out will flood the engine?

Thanks!

[Hegnirst]

best thing to do in my opinion is wait for the engine to sort itself out over night, if not take spark plugs, wipe them, try again, BUT without hitting accelerator, just with the choke, if that fails, bump start it XD
in my experience anyway, this could be completely different to what someone else would so....
my turnover gradually went slower today, as my alternator needs changing, so also check your battery, to see if its charging properly, should be around 13.8 watt (i think) when the engine is on

hope this helps

[zef]

OK Cold starting goes like this for me. Full choke, no throttle, turn over til it starts (usually within seconds if not quicker)

You might need to charge your battery if the turn over has slowed down. Take the plugs out, clean and dry them then put them back in. Do it one at a time if you might forget the plug lead order. Then do as above and it should start. When it starts leave it at a fast idle for a few seconds then slowly reduce the choke until it's warmed up a bit. Fully close the choke as soon as it will run ok without it.

You shouldn't need to touch the float chamber at this stage of diagnosis. The engine is flooded due to too much fuel being pumped in, especially if you were pumping the throttle.

[bmcecosse]

As above - don't go near the float chamber...... Does sound like you need a new battery - unless the car has been standing for a while? but worth checking the fan belt is good and tight. Or - park on a hill....

[BTA168]

Ok, I went to push the car last night with my dad and he managed to jump start it. I went to start the car this morning but it had a slow turnover, so my friend came and we jump leaded the car together.. Guess what? Started first time.. So I'm guessing the battery is at fault?
I've been using the car nearly every other day since for the last few months, so I guess the alternator is charging the battery whilst I drive it around?

Also if I use the choke on a cold day fully out and it does not start. When do I start to realise it won't start and wipe spark plugs etc.? So a flooded engine isn't much of a worry then?

Thanks!