fuel or ignition ?? Options

[boomy]

Hi, hope someone can help ....

The engine: 1.7 type 4 with twin dellorto's

The problem: turns over fine, but takes about 2-3 turns of the key before it will fire from cold...then it sort of starts, I try to use the gas pedal to get it going and it just dies..?? ....it does then start but recently after being left for a couple of weeks took about 5 minutes to start..


I have tried diferent start methods, all to no avail. It starts fine when it has been run that day or is quite warm..

I have checked the spark, cap/rotor arm, plugs etc and all look OK...it has got a new(ish) electronic ignition system.

Once up and running it is pretty much OK; it does backfire on overun a bit, but pulls fine...


Is this an ignition component breaking down or a fuel prob..the pump for instance ??

Any help appreciated ....thanks...Mark

[ArtechnikA]

Dells have no chokes so they'll always be a bit finicky about starting.

Weber-equipped 914.6's came with a hand throttle to assist the warmup phase, but /4's don't have them.

the standard carburetor cold-starting procedure is to pump the throttle two or three times to provide a bit of cold-start enrichment. then crack the throttle -a little- and turn the key. don't play with the throttle much - you risk flooding.

don't know what pump you're using, or now it's connected, but that's almost never a factor in cold-start performance.

when it's playing hard-to-get, pull a plug and see what's goin on in there. if the plug is drippy wet with fuel, you need to add more steady throttle position - to add more air. DON'T PUMP. if they're dry, you may have a fuel delivery issue.

like Webers, Dellorto carbs tend to idle jet clogging, which will make starting hard, so make sure those are clear.

finally - make sure your valves are adjusted spot-on and your static spark advance is not too great.

oh - and welcome !