Hello people. Need some ideas on why my car is so hard to start when cold. I would guess it needs about twenty to thirty cranks, with full choke, before it even tries to fire. When it does eventually fire it runs like a dog's breakfast, almost as if it is flooded. Once it clears itself and gets warmed up it is fine. Starting from warm is no drama. First kick every time. I have tried starting with no choke at all, half choke but no luck at all. The motor has twin 1/1/2 SU's and electronic ignition from a Honda Civic, I believe. Any ideas please? Thanks

PS I would have the car dynotuned to get to the bottom of this annoying problem but none around where I live.

Have a look at the choke and see if it is adjusted and working.

Also, have you checked the condition of the spark plugs?

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Ryan Filippi
Minis In The Gong
[email protected]
www.minisinthegong.com.au

Thanks for that. I will check the chokes tomorrow. The car is currently fitted with Split Fire plugs SF6B if that makes any sense to you. I thought plugs may be the problem. What are the correct ones for a 70 Mk2 S. Thanks

I would try a new set of plug leads... had the same problem a while ago and that solved it... and its a cheap trouble shoot.

Cheers, Ian

+1 on the choke.

Get someone to slowly pull out the choke while you watch.

There should be 2 stages as the choke is pulled out.

1 a cam should slightly up the idle

2 another cam should cause the jet base at the bottom of the carb to drop down.

I've been told if they are grumpy on cold start/drive that's a good sign they are set right (not too rich). But it shouldn't be that hard to start. I bet the chokes not operating)

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)