I've been thru the engine and have put 1000 miles on the car but it still won't start all the time with the starter. It cranks fine but just wont start when cold. Put a tow strap and pull and it starts right up. Idles fine runs strong but erratic starting. been thru the starter, carb timing. Sick of the tow rope.

 

Have you performed a compression test? That might be a good place to start and establish a baseline. I do this on fresh rebuilds, then at 500 mile intervals to monitor how well the seals are wearing in. More details on the condition of the housings, what brand of seals and a list of which parts are new may help.

Also carb work, type of carb and porting along with any aftermarket components/mods.

 

The starter is too slow. Ask me how I know.

 

^^^ Most likely right, unless you didn't go through the break in process correctly. I assume you drove the car easily for at least the first 500miles, then the next it was a little bit harder, then after 1000 you can just about go all out, but personally I would wait till 1500-2000 before I tried redline even once. Anyway, its either your starter is worn out or your compression is bad from breaking the engine in incorrectly.

On a side note, I was able to start up my original 12A engine on a starter I thought was good. Turned out it was only turning at half speed! This engine had about 180K miles on it with about 95psi compression front and rear. Started up every time.

 

Thanks for the info I broke it in pretty easy in the first 500 miles with a lot of low speed running and haven't been even close to the red line I will try a new starter and dig out the compression gage

 

I tend to advise adding 4-8oz of 2 stroke oil per tank of fuel, during the break in process. If using premix only, add extra. Until all the seals wear to match the surface they are against, they tend to create a little extra friction in small areas, and do not seal as well.
The extra oil aids in both reducing the friction, and promoting better sealing.

 

The starter did the trick. Will do the compression checks to verify break in. Thanks for the info.

 

You are welcome.