‘74 1.8L L-Jetronic Cold Start Low Idle, Mystery solved! Options

[Van B]

Thanks Wonki!
Ironically, as much as I hate cold weather, I find myself wishing for a few more truly cold mornings so I could compare in the same conditions I’ve been working with all winter.

However, the engine still has to crank several revolutions before it fires. And it doesn’t bang to life like you described yours. So, that will be the next thing to sort through.

On another note. Get the Pertronix Ignitor II. You’ll like it. Revs a bit nicer from 4K up and the first touch of throttle is smoother at every RPM.

[wonkipop]

Van

i don't think mine is behaving OE any more.
but Starbear's might be close.
his sounds like it warms up a iittle better and stronger than mine.

its a distant memory to 89. but it never used to start like it starts now.
it was a stronger start and warm up idle for sure.
the one thing i do remember was just how good the EFI start was compared to my old squareback with twin carbs. as a 30 year old i am pretty sure i used to think - "wow this is pretty good - i'm into fuel injection. stuff carbies".

just been out for a burn in mine this arvo. same old start. but oh well, got it warm.
got ghosted by a guy in a good looking old bug. got beside me at the lights and was yelling out the window, doing thumbs up etc. made his day.
first air cooled bug i have seen in a good while out and about on a sunday arvo.

i'm going to go investigate availability of petronix in aus and do that one.
you can't buy good points anymore anyway. rubbish stuff. i have a few old sets stashed but i'll be running out soon.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

i get the instant bam start if i start it two days in a row.
if i leave it a week its about 1, maybe two cranks and then bam.
at least i know its holding good fuel pressure in the lines.
and the injectors don't leak down into the cylinders or anything like that.
fuel pump check valves are good (new fuel pump) and fuel pressure reg is good.

if you want the bam start go looking at those two things.
but i would suggest you drive it now and enjoy the narrow rev band! - and the long third gear. while your backside is 6 inches off the deck. won't find a modern car that can get you down that close to the road? even if the cold start sends you crazy.

[StarBear]

Triple yay! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Persistence and this forum is awesome. You’ve helped us along the way, along with untold others I’m sure.
Could you post or pm that AAV part #? I got a spare OEM one a few weeks ago but haven’t tested it yet.
Onward and vroom vroom, Van! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)