Starting Problem

[marksmith]

Result !!!!

Got back from work today and just decided to try the car one more time. It started first time and revved up perfectly.

I left it running for a good few hours. The engine had obviously got very damp over the last few months of not running as there was steam everywhere, but this soon cleared. I took it for a drive round the block a few times and it drove perfectly. I left in running for a good few hours and it got up to temperature a few times. Fan clicked on and off fine.

Switched the car off after leaving it running for about an hour and a half and I left it off for about 20 minutes. Tried it again and again it started no problems ( started it with no acceleration at all ).

So, maybe the starting problems have all been down to the engine being so damp where its been stood. I dont think it had been started since it was MOT'd in July, other than the one time I got it started the other day. That time I got it started it would not of dried out much as I only left it running for a few minutes.

Is it possible that this was all what the problem was ?????

The big test will be now to see if it starts again in the morning. Is there any particular way Cavs "like" to be started ????

Thanks for all the help over this guys, I am hoping its going to be ok now but wont count my chickens until it starts again in the morning !!

[TurboSteven77]

when starting it dont touch pedal till its started , i always find there is petrol left 2 start it in injetor
just in case you flood it

well done might just have been dirty petrol or frozen pipe

[marksmith]

when starting it dont touch pedal till its started , i always find there is petrol left 2 start it in injetor
just in case you flood it

well done might just have been dirty petrol or frozen pipe

Tried starting it at 6am this morning after a very cold night. Follwed your advice ( thanks Steven ) and perfect, the car started first time without any hesitation

Took it for a drive and it drove perfect. Its so so quiet and smooth to drive. The car is not in bad nick really and has only done 62,000 miles, so I am so chuffed that I have got this one running, even if it is the bog standard "L" model.

Going to look now to giving it a full service and then I want to find a full black leather interior for it and a facelifted front grille. I have alloys fitted on it now ( well 3 anyway with another one due to come, thanks mate ).

I think its going to be ok now, fingers crossed, so I just want to say a big thanks to everyone who helped me with great advice - really appreciated !

[planetc]

With the carb models fitted with auto choke you are supposed to stab the throttle once prior to starting to make the choke kick in, the bimetallic spring is under tension when cold and the stab allows its tension to close the choke flap. With a knackered or poorly set choke mass this will not work properly and might not give enough choke when cold or give too much when warm. It is perfectly possible however that the problems were damp related and if that is the case it might benefit from a new dist cap and a set of leads. Given the problems you experienced and the regularity that I used to see choke masses that were falling to bits I would still check it if it were mine.

[marksmith]

Thanks mate.

Now that I have got it started and it seems to be running well, I am happy to spend money on it so its going to go for a full service. I will get the choke mass checked out at the same time and repaired if needed.

Really appreciate your help and valuable advice mate, thanks for that.

Still cant get over how nice and smooth Cavs drive, my Dad just got a Renault Megane, 10 years younger than the Cav, and I reckon the Cav drives so much better ( and so does my Dad !! )

[TurboSteven77]

its freanch need i say more

pity you so far away i got cdx leathers comeing out my ears want gsi seats cumfer and less chance of sliding about
ps psl saleing full cdx leathers he might be nearer you hth