Variable time to fire

Is it that there should be a one-way valve in the fuel line or pump which is missing or has failed, allowing fuel to gradually run back to the tank over a period of time when it's not been run. If the valve was operational the fuel wouldn't run back and it would start far quicker.

Alan.

"Rob graham" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@bt.com:

A leak in the carb float chamber?

most likely a dodgy choke mechanism.

But I prime the carb before starting and it still cranks for ages if not run recently!

But I prime the carb before starting and it still cranks for ages if not run recently!

I bought a new carb for this car when I first acquired it in 1984. OK, that's a long time ago but I doubt if I have done 20,000 miles in it since then. And the problem was there even in those days. Even so, why should the cranking time be related to the time since last started? If the choke mechanism was faulty, wouldn't it just as difficult all the time, or to put it another way, wouldn't the problem be there, albeit intermittently, regardless of the time lag since the last start?

It is sulking because you have not been giving it enough attention? Have you tried talking to it nicely first?

Is there oxidation on some part of the ignition circuit, like in the distributor, which needs a bit of mechanical motion to be removed?

Andrew

I suppose the points might oxidise over time but would one expect that to happen in, say, 3 weeks?

My motorbike does exactly the same. If you run it regularly it starts first time. Leave it for a week and it takes longer, leave it for 3 weeks and you may need jump leads. I'm sure it's not the choke although it does seem to start on one cylinder and work its way up to all 4.

How old is the bike? What sort of ignition and carburation does it have?

This woudl be my guess too - either dizzy or plugs have an increasing amount of corrosion/moisture buildup and take time to dry before firing. But then ive yet to have this happen with an EFI car and theres no reason why this would be any different on that setup. My next thought is maybe you have some sort of a buildup in the needle from the fuel / additive you may use and this takes time to be dissolved while cranking.

It's called character, learn to love it :)

I fitten a programmable ECU, its great, i can choose what character is has on a particular day lol

I think you've done the experiment to demonstrate that can happen... instead of priming the carb, try cleaning the distributor bits next time you've "neglected" her for a while and see if she starts more readily.

Andrew

Rob graham ( snipped-for-privacy@btinternet.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Nice way to burn a starter motor out.

It's telling you to use it more often. Listen to it.

I'd agree with that. However, it's been off the road for quite a while having its second do-up. Soon it'll be back on the road and this problem will be less.

Mmmmmm

Rob

Yes, I think that's a good idea.

K reg whatever that is. Electronic ignition and standard carbs. TBH I've never looked at them but I might check the balance this winter now we've got some good kit in at work.