I just bought an '84 and have yet to figure out how to get it to start relatively easily when the engine is cold. Does anyone have any tricks they could share because apparently this is sorta common. This is only if it is cold (usually just the first start of the day) and after which it runs fine and starts on first try.

Also, could anyone tell me a good place to find a good repair manual/cdrom for troubleshooting/repair?

Thanks for bearing with this newbie.

 

i'm kinda new too. Starting fluid helps with mine. Thinner oil like 10W30 or 10W40 rather than the 20W50 you use in the summer may help. A good ignition system will let the plugs fire in the cold. Make sure you have fresh spark plugs, spark plug wires, and a cap and rotor. Make sure your battery connections are secure and clean. I have used a Haynes manual from the local automotive store and it has worked well for me.

 

You might want to think about installing a tank-type engine heater like the one sold by ZEROSTART. It connects to the 5/8" heater hose and keeps the engine warm by circulating the coolant through the entire engine.

Of course it helps to have a garage and someplace to plug it in because it operates on regular AC house current. They are about $25.00 at JCWhitney.com