Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[rdover]

I can get my car started but getting it to run reliably is a problem. I'm not sure I am using the right procedure so does anyone here know the 'correct' starting procedure.

Currently I do the following:

ignition to 2/3 advance
throttle open 30%
fill priming pots
turn over

It usually fires but then dies. It takes 4 or 5 attempts to get it running but is still tricky to get to tickover.

I may still have a fuel delivery problem but at least if I know I'm doing the basics correctly then I'm most of the way there.

[michael1912]

I would usually fully retard the ignition to start (assuming it is properly adjusted) to avoid kickbacks and hurt hands. The best throttle setting is found by trial and error, maybe about one third open. To avoid putting lots of fuel down the bores do you have any richening or flooding device on your carb? You will need more richness now it is cold weather. When it starts, advance the ignition until it runs at its fastest, closing the throttle at the same time to get a good idle speed. Do you have a mixture adjustment or is the carb fixed? This all assumes the carb is in reasonable order and suited to the car. Regards Michael1912