Starting After Layup

[John042]

Hi All,i've just flattened two batteries trying to start the beast after 6 weeks. Everything seemed to work, fuel pump, spark at the plugs but strong smell of fuel after cranking. To convince myself that all was well with the electrics I checked fuses/relays etc. After removing the plug I'm convinced that flooding was the issue? Cleaning and drying the plugs did eventually get the engine running (Starter Motor must have been glowing in the dark!) but on releasing the throttle it eventually died. At the moment I've got the batteries on charge. My question is, can I by disconnecting the cold start circuit prevent the flooding I'm experiencing when prolonged cranking? If so,were to break the circuit. Or have I developed problem since the vehicle was last used? Thanks for any advice. Cheers John042

[fenderbender]

Sure it's not just crappy petrol?? Try shoving 20 litres of fresh fuel in and see if it improves matters.

[John042]

Thanks fenderbender. Fuel is about 2 months old? Anyway after a nights charging it fired up seems to be running OK. However, I think I've overcooked the starter, one of the cheap ones £62 from Br**kl**ds. Still should still be on warrantee. I guess I'll put the problem down to flooding after prolonged cranking. As Steve Heath quotes; once the plugs are wet you're better replacing them. Cheers John042

[John042]

Further to my last post. Is there anyway of reducing the fuel enrichment on cold starting? Perhaps temporarly disconnecting the coolant temperature sensor for the ECU?
I hasten to add this would only be in the event of a long 'lay up if it was reluctant to start. If feasable, which sensor is it? Thanks for any advice. John042.

[EGB]

I always start mine without touching the throttle. Get erratic start, if throttle is touched.

[John042]

Thanks EGB. There is a similar post running at the moment called 'Flooding' I don't think the ECU is clever enough to reduce fuel flow whilst cranking with the throttle fully open? It does seem to be a problem whether hot or cold when prolonged cranking causes 'flooding. Cheers John042.

[taylormj4]

I have only ever had problems starting, if I stalled the car very early after starting it, either due to not enough throttle in cold weather to pull off or brakes binding after rain etc.
The only way I can get mine to start in this condition is to use absolutely full throttle whilst holding the starter on, when it starts to fire up (splutter splutter splutter) keep the starter ON and gradually reduce throttle and release starter key position at around half throttle. Hold it there for a while then increase throttle to clear out the cylinders with around 3000rpm before coming back to idle. Takes around 5-7 seconds of holding the starter on in all.

[EGB]

I also wait at least 5 seconds after starting, before I blip the throttle. If erratic I give it third throttle "to clear its throat"