Update!
Well, I didn't get a chance to try all the suggestions passed along to me,
but I'm sure going to take care of them over the next week or so.
However, this morning I decided to try a variation on my starting routine.
In the past attempts I just pumped the gass a couple of times, hit the
ignition, and when it started (after getting over the shock that it actually
DID start), went under the bonnet to see what cable adjustments I needed to
make. This time I stayed in the cockpit, pumped the gas, started it, and
then kept a relatively high RPM for about 30 seconds. Then I backed off the
gas and.... it kept running!! I got out of the car and fiddled with the
accelerator cable adjust for a few seconds and then just watched all the new
gaskets burn in as the engine heated up (love that smell of success!)
So, I don't know exactly what I did differently unless it has to do with the
water choke, but now I have a running vehicle to work with.
Thank you for all the tips on what to clean, ream, and adjust, fellas.
Those are my next tasks!!
Bill
-----Original Message-----
From Bill Tubbs [mailto:piperbill at isp01.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2002 8:26 PM
To: Spridgets
Subject: Trying to start my 79 Midget
I replaced a Weber carb. setup with the stock ZS and smog gear in order to
try and get the car legal here in California.
The car was running okay with the Weber, so I know the engine is okay.
After carefully checking all the stupid smog fittings and everything else, I
tried the starter. The engine started after only about 3 pumps with the
accelerator. But then it died after about 20 seconds or so. I could not
get it to start up again so just left it for a day or so. On a whim, I went
back and started it up again. Same thing... runs and then after 20 seconds
just quits and won't restart. I've tried this pause deal several times now
and it fires up each time.
I'm looking for the obvious... either getting too much gas and flooding (but
I don't really smell extra fuel), or the smog crap is starving it for air.
What are some obvious places to start to trouble shoot this? Just remove
all the air impediments (cleaner, et al) and see what happens?
Is there a good 'engine starting FAQ' that's already set up somewhere?
Bill Tubbs
http://tubbs.cc/mg
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