Starting problems

[xpertbert]

Hi everyone,
I seem to be getting problems starting my 1985 1.9 petrol engine when it's not been used for over 5 days plus. Once she starts everything is fine. She isn't getting used enough and noticed this steadily getting worse over time. Is it because I don't use her enough.
Fuel is getting to the carb fine. Thank you

[what2do]

After a few days rest, is the starter really sluggish?

[Smiffo]

Might be something really simple, like the battery needs replacing.
The cold weather is coming and old batteries don't like the cold...

is it like What2Do says above my comment?

[kevtherev]

Battery shagged?

[CovKid]

Aye, drop in temperature soon reveals the duff batteries. Thats why so many are bought this time of year. Check you don't have a parasitic drain like the memory on the stereo for one.

[what2do]

Aye, drop in temperature soon reveals the duff batteries. Thats why so many are bought this time of year. Check you don't have a parasitic drain like the memory on the stereo for one.

Stereo is what I was thinking, exacerbated by the cold weather.

[xpertbert]

Battery and starter motor turns over fine it happens in normal weather to. Just takes some firing up but once she fires and warms up everything is good. I had my Piersburg carb refurbished last year. Could it be leads, dizzy cap, spark plugs ?

[Smiffo]

Perhaps fuel is draining back down to the tank after being stood for a while?

I had this a year or so ago. But you said that the fuel to the carb is OK, so not sure here...
Next time it's been stood for a similar period, and before attempting to start it, just put some fuel into the carb directly. If it fires straight away then it might just be the fuel draining back after the extended periods stood unused?

Fuel directly poured into the carb is a little trick Itchy told me to try when I had similar issues.
Turned out my fuel pump was weak and couldn't get the fuel up the the carb in sufficient quantities to get her running...

Try that?

[xpertbert]

Cheers I will give that a go. When I do try and get her started that is one thing I can always smell is fuel but no bang. I will try it though.

[kevtherev]

Do you press the acc. pedal fully a couple of times before cranking to set the choke?

[a1winchester]

I had a similar problem, fixed when I replaced the fuel pump and the push rod that operates the fuel pump. (assuming you have a mechanical pump).
It's easier to squirt a sniff or two of easy start into the inlet of the air filter than trying to put a spoonfull of fuel into the carb, but I know some frown on easistart, as it's the Devil's Work.

[CovKid]

I'm using an electric pump now with a manual switch I can engage prior to starting if needed. Those with facet pumps will know what I mean by a change in note from the pump once line is full. The line can certainly drain back on an older van/camper and mech pumps just don't have the power to prime a line from scratch. I often don't start mine for a week or more so I engage the pump, wait for line to prime, then a couple of presses of the throttle and - hey presto.

[sydny-punka]

Have had starting issues for years, turns over but doesnt fire up..then i gave the ECU a nudge and every time now seems okay...

Appeared the ECU wasnt earthed.

[xpertbert]

I don't think the auto choke works 100% it's a little hit and miss. I try the half press and full. I did give it a squirt with easy start but still nothing, in the past I have changed the push rod and fuel pump. i think my first thing to try is to pour a bit of fuel down the carb. Should I do this before trying to start again.

[Smiffo]

I don't think the auto choke works 100% it's a little hit and miss. I try the half press and full. I did give it a squirt with easy start but still nothing, in the past I have changed the push rod and fuel pump. i think my first thing to try is to pour a bit of fuel down the carb. Should I do this before trying to start again.

Aye - 3 or 4 tablespoons worked for me. It won't run for long but you should be able to get it started briefly if its a fuel problem.
If you still get no joy then you have eliminated something for next to zero cost