problem starting, fuel related ??

[Gunslinger]

I have had a problem recently starting the van which has got progressively worse. I believe it is fuel related so here goes.

When starting the motor turns over fine and is firing but not catching even with foot to the floor, as it slowly warms up due to firing it will catch (so long as the battery doesn't flatten first) but runs really rough. If I press the accelerator pedal nothing immediate happens but then it will gradually pick up. Once warmed properly the van runs fine.

I have checked through the electric system and everything seems ok on that side.
I have checked fuel delivery from the pump and thats fine.

I'm not great with carbs but just need to try and get it going so I can get it to the garage.

Any idea's would be great

Thanks
Stuart

[Gunslinger]

ooops sorry, its a 1982 2.0 Aircooled running on solex carbs
Thanks

[vwduncan]

Hi

I've got a 1982 Aircooled and having similar problem. Had trouble starting her then when out for a drive the other day she just cut out. RAC came out and said that compression in cylinders 1 & 2 was low and practically none at all in 3 & 4. Towed home and she started long enough to get her on drive. I'm not mechanical minded in anyway but might be worth you getting a compression test done? Just hope mine's not serious as RAC guy said could be a dropped valve!

[Gunslinger]

thanks for the reply but my engine has only covered 5k so I assume its ok as it runs perfectly once warmed up with plenty of power

[vwduncan]

No worries but mines only done 10,000 and I thought that would be okay!

Hope you get it sorted

[Gunslinger]

thanks again but I sincerely hope you are wrong

[weldore]

im no expert stu but it sounds like choke to me...or the lack of it

[Gunslinger]

not sure its that either as I would still expect it to start with some throtte but I'll try to check it out

[toomanytoys]

Sounds like chokes not operating correctly..
Instead of "foot to the floor" before starting giv ethe accelerator a couple of pumps.. then when starting, pump it a couple of times.. she ought to fire up, but may not continue to run without little pumps on the throttle.....

[Gunslinger]

someone has thrown tappet adjustment into the mix. Because it is a 2.4 with high lift cam it has manual adjust tappets, does this sound reasonable?

It has been a problem that has progressively got worse so its got me wondering now

Any more thoughts?