Hey guys,

I've got an '83 FB331 with an agressively street ported 12a running a rebuilt nikki with stock venturis and rebuilt stock ignition system. She runs like a dream and idles quite smoothly but starting her is a huge pain in the ***, especially if she's been sitting for a few days. I need to crank for a good 20 seconds or more while modulating the gas and manually operating the choke. I've driven bridgeported 12a's with Webers that started easier! Once it's warm it fires on the first crank but cold.... man what a pain.

Can anyone suggest why I may be having this difficulty?

Thanks.
-Kwe

 

Make sure your cold start assist is working properly first of all.

 

I've deleted it......

I'm not talking like 40 below or nuthing; it starts hard even on a hot day if it hasn't been run in a while.

-Kwe

 

Sorry, I can't help you now. My car won't start, actually.

 

Check the conditions of your spark plugs first, they may be wet. check ignition wires second, then cap. Also check your float bowl levels. Does it sputter while you are cranking or is it just spiining and then all of a sudden fires up?

dennis

 

Weak voltage at the ignition components?

 

Everything on the engine, the whole car for that matter is brand new. And it's all been properly rebuilt with primarily OEM parts. It's a matter of tuning. I don't think it's choke related, I was hopping someone might have some ideas. I've seen much wilder cars in worse condition start much easier than mine. I'm a little baffled.


Anyone?

-Kwe

 

run the fuel pump for about 15 seconds before you start it. it wont hold pressure after you turn the car off, so with the first few seconds you could be cranking and basically have no gas going through. also, dont give it too much gas. you're probably flooding it and deflooding it all before it fires.

what i do to start mine: turn the key to the on position so the fuel pump builds pressure, for 15 seconds.
pull the choke
turn it over, and tap the gas to get it flowing.

 

Lemonade,
That's not a bad idea at all, but would the float bowls not remain full enough to prevent starvation before the fuel pressure can catch-up? Those Nikki float bowls ain't small.

-Kwe

 

all i know is when i start my car in the morning at 7:30 when its like 50-60 degrees, it fires after maybe a second or two, only if i run the fuel pump for 15 seconds. if i dont i have the same problem. my car is described in my signature

 

Hey,

I've had that same pain in the butt the first time i start my car in the day.
Starts quick after that & runs like a champ.
I will try those suggestions also.