Van hard to start and poor idle when engine cold. Choke?

[jswagger]

Thanks, I'll have a look.

Off for a few days so will give me something to do when I get back.

[jswagger]

interesting thread here for you to peruse

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=116284" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi,

Had a look at the thread, did you suggest it for ideas on what to check now, or for the picture of the fast idle cam (or both)?

Thanks either way

[kevtherev]

just to take a look and maybe see stuff you can recognise.

[jswagger]

Out of interest, on that thread, one of the items was,

2. Choke pulldown unit - pulled end off carb with top pancake off. Sucked and it moved choke flap, put tongue over end and it held the flap, released tongue and it released flap.

When I try this one mine, the choke doesn't move, is this a problem?

Thanks

[kevtherev]

Out of interest, on that thread, one of the items was,

2. Choke pulldown unit - pulled end off carb with top pancake off. Sucked and it moved choke flap, put tongue over end and it held the flap, released tongue and it released flap.

When I try this one mine, the choke doesn't move, is this a problem?

Thanks

yes, that's where the air can get in and upset your mixture. It also will over fuel under acceleration when the choke is on (6-8 mins)
It's a common issue on old pulldown units

[jswagger]

My pull unit is new though, or does it mean it's faulty too?

[kevtherev]

My pull unit is new though, or does it mean it's faulty too?

you have to suck quite hard and sustained.

[jswagger]

I've tried sucking on the hose from the pulldown unit very hard for a while, and nothing happens.

Does this mean there is a problem, or is it more important what happens when the accelerator is pressed before starting?

[kevtherev]

I've tried sucking on the hose from the pulldown unit very hard for a while, and nothing happens.

Does this mean there is a problem, or is it more important what happens when the accelerator is pressed before starting?

that's not right then, the flap should open when a vacuum is present.
Pressing the acc before starting sets the fast idle cam, the choke flap is on a bi metal spring and will close as ambient temp requires
pressing the acc pedal when the engine is started should see the flap opening and closing smoothly with increased and decreased revs.

As the flap opens fully the pull down is redundant
The pull down is only really needed for very cold weather

[jswagger]

I've tried sucking on the hose from the pulldown unit very hard for a while, and nothing happens.

Does this mean there is a problem, or is it more important what happens when the accelerator is pressed before starting?

that's not right then, the flap should open when a vacuum is present.
Pressing the acc before starting sets the fast idle cam, the choke flap is on a bi metal spring and will close as ambient temp requires
pressing the acc pedal when the engine is started should see the flap opening and closing smoothly with increased and decreased revs.

As the flap opens fully the pull down is redundant
The pull down is only really needed for very cold weather

On a day like today would the choke be needed much/at all? If so, then would my issue lie elsewhere than the choke?

[kevtherev]

... may be half or even a quarter briefly, to start.
Mainly because the engine is way off working temp.
You can adjust the choke by the way.

Did you check your choke flap gap as in the haynes?

[jswagger]

I did check the choke flap. and all was ok.

However, can I make the choke stick on temporarily, just so the van can be moved around?

[kevtherev]

I did check the choke flap. and all was ok.

However, can I make the choke stick on temporarily, just so the van can be moved around?

yes.
If you look at the autochoke housing it has three screws, these can be loosened and the housing rotated clockwise to keep the choke on longer and fuller.
you can see it here on the right



and here you can see the range of movement

[jswagger]

Thanks for that.

Tried adjusting the choke, in a variety of settings, and made no difference. So this would point to the issue being elsewhere than the choke?

Could the old petrol that was in the system have blocked a jet and would something like that cause these issues?

Time to take the carb off perhaps?

[kevtherev]

I think we can discount the choke
But the pull down isn't right