Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 7062 Location: Location: Location
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:
minigirl wrote:
Greg39 wrote:
sarahjane113 wrote:
Hi Mini Fan, Thanks for your help. My mini isnt always that bad altho it hates wet mornings. Its a 1967 mini cooper which I love to bits other than when it doesnt start in the mornings lol.
If it hates wet mornings try cleaning the HT leads from the spark plugs to the distributor cap...I think you can even buy a spray to inhibit damp on these (once they've been cleaned)...not sure how effective the spray is, best to ensure leads are clean and dry to ensure best chance of starting and smooth running especially when the engine is cold.
i hadn't thought of asking how old the car was - i had just assumed that it was a "real" mini.....
if it's only problem in wet weather, then probably using that water dispersant spray would work. i remember using it quite often in wet weather when i had an old mini a fair few years ago. i just sprayed a little wd40 on the distributor and a quick squirt inside the distributor cap and it seemed to work pretty well.
if it happens in all sorts of weather, maybe the leads need replaced (they don't last forever), the cap might need replaced (it could be cracked) or the points might need replaced (and if there's evidence of arcing at the points - pitting on one face and a build up of metal on the other - the capacitor is probably on the way out too). then on the other hand maybe the carburettor is out of adjustment.
whatever it is, it's not going to get better by itself, it's probably going to get worse, so it would be better to get it fixed now.
I've never posted in this section! I've had old cars with the same engine though. If it hates damp mornings then I agree with Min and Greg. New leads, distributor cap AND a coil. Make sure they replace the points, condenser and plugs at this service too. Those bits will not break the bank on a Mini.
Sheesh, I haven't had to think about that stuff since I was a student. Amazing how it all comes back. Just don't ask me about the twin SU's. Never touched those apart from putting oil in the dampers. You do do that?
If you car is hard to start it likely burns a lot more fuel than it needs so you are likely to save the money you invest in fuel savings .A tow truck is also expensive as is being late for work so a tune up is likely going to save in the short and long term and knowing your car will start is a real saving in stress!
Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Posts: 4 Location: newcastle upon tyne
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:20 am Post subject: Re: problems with manual choke
[quote="retrofiesta"][b]hiya, i have just bought a 1989 ford fiesta, only my 2nd car, been driving only for 2 months...anyway this car has a manual choke which im strugging with.
i have read all the threads i can find, and they're all saying that with the choke pulled out fully, it should start...
my car wont start properly with the manual choke, it turns over, but struggles to 'catch' and when it does, its a real job keeping it going!
i takes about half an hour to start first thing in the morning!
all i want to do is to be able to start and drive when i need to
Hi , my friend Ruth has a 1989 ford fiesta and until recently used to have major problems getting it started from cold because it stood outside and she used to use full choke and end up flooding it if it didnt start after 3 or 4 trys but now has a garage to keep it in , now , from cold she normally pulls the choke half way out and gives it a gentle press on the accelarater pedal then turns the key and it usually starts within 2 or 3 goes. hope this helps..........ANITA...xx
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Just don't ask me about the twin SU's. Never touched those apart from putting oil in the dampers. You do do that?