Problem Cold Starting

[bob]

 Hi  I have a serious problem starting my Bambi Rascal from cold. I have done all the usual things suggested and followed instructions in handbook and manual and followed other Bambi owners advise ie:hold clutch in , pump throttle  3 or 4 times , wait for fuel pump to slow down or stop clicking etc , all to no avail. I recently swopped engine and all was done correctly and checked and rechecked. When it finally does start , if battery hasn't gone down by then , the little'un runs a dream !!
Does any-one have any thoughts as to what I may have missed or faced the same problem ??

Bob

[Dell Boy]

Sounds like the choke isn`t functioning. Have you got the choke cable correctly adjusted after your engine swap.
Does it try to fire when you are turning it over?
Is there a strong smell of petrol?
If it hasn`t fired after three turns try pressing the pedal to the floor.
Is the vacuum operated choke control properly connected & working?

Derek.

[bob]

Hi Delboy
Iv'e set everthing to the Haynes Manual and all has been checked as correct however I'm not sure about the  vacum control...I will get this checked and see what happens
Bob

[eric.go]

 Hi Bob when i start my bambi I switch ignition on wait for the pump to slow down pull choke fully out press clutch fully down and fire it up do not touch the accelerator starts every time, even on a cold day like this morning.

Hope this of some help regards Noel

[bob]

Thanks Noel.  I will try your method... I have been holding accelerator down after pumpig , maybe thats the problem !!

[HP5Man]

I use exactly the same method as Noel and my Rascal always starts first time.

Gary

[Dell Boy]

It sounds like it is your starting procedure but could also be the points gap has closed up.
Set gap to 0.6 m.m. not as in the Haynes manual.

Derek.

[duncanamps]

Hi Derek, I've seen the 0.6mm mentioned a few times and was curious where the.number comes from? Mines on lumenition now but I always avoided big points gaps to prevent the spark being weakened.  Just checking to see if there is some other advantage I didn't know about.

[Dell Boy]

The fibre/nylon heel on the points wears quickly on Rascarry points causing the points gap to close up rapidly especially with a  new set.
Experience has taught me that start with a larger gap & in a few miles the points will bed in & the gap will close to 0.4/5 approx.
If not set wide the gap closes to 0.2/3 & the van is a pig to start when cold.

Derek.

[duncanamps]

Thanks Derek, it all makes sense now - you just reminded me about the wear and why I dumped the points 

[bob]

Thanks to all of you for trying to point me in the right direction , no pun intended. I'm going to have another go tomorrow and if no success will invest in electronic ignition. I may well be back for further advise. Again thanks to all.
Bob

[>>CHOP<<]

i just jump in mine..pull choke fully out...no need for any throttle as choke fully out automatically puts throttle on enough...as soon as it fires i adjust the choke to stop the engine from racing but not too far to let it die....and away i go after a mile or so push choke fully in...bobs your uncle

[Digger]

I'm the same as Chop if I pump the throttle its a sod to start.
Before even trying to start it to morrow if I was you I would check the plugs give them a clean an check the gap.
With an electric fuel pump the fuel is there from the start so cranking it over and over will will not help. If it will not start tomorrow just go back to basics get a friend to crank it with the dissy cap of whats the spark like, take number one plug out then put the lead on it and put the tip to earth and turn it over hows the spark "don't get a shock"
Hope this helps good luck

Digger