Cold starting problems

[edders1690]

I am having problems starting my Maestro Vp when it is cold. I presume its due to the automatic choke. Are there any simple fixes.
thanks

Ray

[G Force]

I am having problems starting my Maestro Vp when it is cold. I presume its due to the automatic choke. Are there any simple fixes.
thanks

Ray

Hi Ray, lots of simple fixes and a few more complicated ones.:D It could be the auto choke but could equally be an ignition problem. If You can describe the symptoms in as much detail as you can, I'm sure we will be able to offer a few decent suggestions.

Gary:)

[edders1690]

Hi Ray, lots of simple fixes and a few more complicated ones.:D It could be the auto choke but could equally be an ignition problem. If You can describe the symptoms in as much detail as you can, I'm sure we will be able to offer a few decent suggestions.

Gary:)
When starting from cold despite pressing accelerator engine does not catch. If you continue to try to start without any throttle engine catches but runs quite roughly. Any throttle and engine dies. If you leave it to run it gradually picks up and then you can use the throttle and engine runs ok. No problems at all when engine warm.
Hope this makes sense!
Ray

[G Force]

Hi Ray, from your description it sounds more fuel related, but it is always best to have a check under the bonnet to make sure there are no air leaks from vacuum pipes and breather hoses etc. and check the ignition components are in good order.

If you can, you should check to see if the auto choke is actually coming on first thing in the morning. Observe the pin that comes out of the stepper motor, get an assistant to turn on the ignition for the first time, the pin should extend out and open the throttle linkage.

If you have movement then I would check to make sure the over run fuel cut off valve (ORFCO) valve is not stuck open (the valve with two wires to it on the side of the carb). To do this, remove the valve from the side of the carb by undoing the three screws.

When you look at the valve body (the bit where the gasket goes) there is a small oval hole at the end furthest from solenoid (the bit that the two wires connect to). Suck on that hole to see if you can get it to stick to your tongue. (Yuk) :(

If you can suck air through then the valve is stuck open and you need to close it. To do that, unscrew the solenoid from the body and free the plunger with WD40 then refit the solenoid and recheck the hole is now sealed.

Once you have refitted the valve do NOT reconnect the wires, as they are a constant source of unreliability. The best way is to just tape up the wires with insulation tape to make sure they cannot short out on the engine block, and just forget about them.

If the stepper motor pin does not move when you first turn on the ignition. Check the temperature gauge, is it working normally? Does the high temp warning light come on when the engine is cold. Does the gauge only get to about ¼ then not go any higher?

If the temperature gauge works ok and the stepper motor does not move then you more than likely have a wiring problem between ECU and stepper motor or faulty ECU.

Have a good look and let us know what you find.

Cheers:)

[edders1690]

Hi Ray, from your description it sounds more fuel related, but it is always best to have a check under the bonnet to make sure there are no air leaks from vacuum pipes and breather hoses etc. and check the ignition components are in good order.

If you can, you should check to see if the auto choke is actually coming on first thing in the morning. Observe the pin that comes out of the stepper motor, get an assistant to turn on the ignition for the first time, the pin should extend out and open the throttle linkage.

If you have movement then I would check to make sure the over run fuel cut off valve (ORFCO) valve is not stuck open (the valve with two wires to it on the side of the carb). To do this, remove the valve from the side of the carb by undoing the three screws.

When you look at the valve body (the bit where the gasket goes) there is a small oval hole at the end furthest from solenoid (the bit that the two wires connect to). Suck on that hole to see if you can get it to stick to your tongue. (Yuk) :(

If you can suck air through then the valve is stuck open and you need to close it. To do that, unscrew the solenoid from the body and free the plunger with WD40 then refit the solenoid and recheck the hole is now sealed.

Once you have refitted the valve do NOT reconnect the wires, as they are a constant source of unreliability. The best way is to just tape up the wires with insulation tape to make sure they cannot short out on the engine block, and just forget about them.

If the stepper motor pin does not move when you first turn on the ignition. Check the temperature gauge, is it working normally? Does the high temp warning light come on when the engine is cold. Does the gauge only get to about ¼ then not go any higher?

If the temperature gauge works ok and the stepper motor does not move then you more than likely have a wiring problem between ECU and stepper motor or faulty ECU.

Have a good look and let us know what you find.

Cheers:)

Thanks for that!
will have a look at weekend
Ray