304 S trouble starting from Cold

[205GRD]

Hello,

I'm having a few issues with my 304 Cab (S version with the twin choke Solex 35 EEISA carb) starting from Cold. When the car is cold it is difficult to get it to start, with full choke it requires considerable cranking on the Starter to start the Engine, and then when started it will not idle without stalling, I have to ensure that I keep the revs up until the engine has warmed up.

Being new to the manual choke I wondered if I was using too much choke in the warmer weather, but when I tried pushing the choke in a fraction last time I started it, the car just stalled immediately, so I'm not sure this is the case.

I have already added 10 litres of fuel to the tank to remove this as a possibility from the issue, but open to other possibilities. I believe that there is fuel getting through to the carb as I seem to have been quite successful in flooding it at times when trying to get the car to start.

For reference, I changed the spark plugs before the most recent outing in the car, and the old ones that came out had an appearance according to Haynes pictures of an engine which is running too rich, with carbon deposits - I had put this down to my difficulty in getting used to the choke, but I'm open to other comments and corrections. Following advice I've read I have been running the car on Super Unleaded with no additive, but if anyone thinks that other options might be better then please let me know.

As this is my first time properly playing with a petrol engine and carbs I'm open to any advice and help that can be offered!

Thanks

Doug

[205GRD]

Well, having spent a couple of evenings checking everything over, along with the advice in the trusty Haynes troubleshooter sections, I seem to have solved the issue.

1. I tried starting the car in my garage, and it started, but ran rough, and when I eased up on the throttle, it cut out and wouldn't start.
2. After this I took out the spark plugs and they had been carbon fouled like the previous ones, so I cleaned them with a bit of rag and re-gapped them before refitting.
3. From looking at the troubleshooters, there seemed to be a common potential issue of the float level possibly being incorrect, so I took the top off the carb and checked this which needed adjusting.
4. Reassembled all, leaving the air filter housing off, but it was too late to test.
5. Today tried starting the car, and it started straight off, ran a little rough, but much better than previously - I was able to let it idle without needing to hold the revs up. It was still running a little rough, but when I pushed the choke off I found the sweet spot on the choke and it was idling fine.
6. Air filter back on and it was all still good!

I am yet to take it out on a run, but it all seems to be good!

[newshound68]

Hi there, I am having similar problems with my new purchase.
A non specialist but trusted professional has told me the carb needs a clean, or rebuild.
Just wondering if you still had problems and/or have any further tips on this issue?
Is your engine still running ok?
Cheers