Starting from cold

[Kenyon]

DDK'ers wisdom sought... I'm having problems starting my 356 from cold (by that I mean if left unused for more than a few days).

To get her going I have to go through an extended process of turning her over, going away for 15 minutes and coming back a few times. Usually fires a little on the second try but won't run and then finally starts on the third try at which point we're fine.

Once started, there's no issue. Also starting the next day is fine too.

All the usual things have been checked / replaced (plugs, distributor cap, rotor arm, points, battery is strong). The fuel is new. Appreciate it sounds like I am flooding it but not sure why it should start on the first turn the next day.

Any thoughts appreciated. The easy fix is to use more I know!

Phil

[hot66]

sounds like the fuel is evaporating / returning to tank if being left . That process you go through sounds like its whats needed to prime up the carbs again ?

[Kenyon]

Cheers James. Does seem to appear to be a bit of a fuel issue. There's definitely fuel in the fuel filter (appreciate that might have no bearing on it getting into the carbs and on).

Its just seems really odd!

[Kenyon]

Actually, the more I think about it. Might be a technique issue!

I just read something on 356registry.com suggesting pumping the accelerator x 3 and immediately turning over the engine. I've tried a variety of approaches with different amounts of choke, accelerator. Will give that a go.

[Hendrik Moulds]

Yes, pumping the accelerator before and even whilst starting it should help with starting.
It's what I do on the cab when it's sat for a while and seems to work even with 6 volt.

[hot66]

I even pump the throttle on my 2.4S 3 times before starting ... and on an MFI car it does sweet FA .. in my case its just for luck / superstition

[Ashley James]

My 356 is the same and pumping the accelerator helps. I had a TR3A and a Bristol 400 which also suffered, but not if I manually operated the fuel pump till the carburettors were full. Sadly there is no lever on the Porsche pump, but I've noticed on the 356 forum that people have fitted electric pumps as well or manual primer pumps that fit in the fuel line.

Modern petrol is much more prone to evaporation than the stuff that existed in the day. It doesn't matter with later cars because the fuel system is sealed, but not on ours.

At the moment I'm just pumping and cranking till it goes while I ponder on possible action.

[Kenyon]

I had a go at the 3 good pumps of accelerator. Then fire up on the third.

Success. Fired straight away then spluttered out, but after a bit of cranking went fine. Rather than the continual churning with no sense of starting. Going away. Recharging.

Also found that the left air filter housing was pretty loose. I wonder if the squirt of petrol in the carbs was the preferred method of previous owners.

Cheers

Phil

[roadiesean]

I couldn't ever start my 912 and I asked Max Levell. Here's what I do.

When cold - 3 pumps foot on throttle about 1/4 opening the throttles and start. Always works when it's been regularly driven

when hot - no pumps. Just throttle open a crack.

When it's been sat - 6 pumps min then crack throttles and repeat about 6 times and the off she goes.

NEVER FAILS. AND THANKS TO THE LOVELY MAX LEVELL !!!