Forum Post–More help needed!! (Pretty Please)

I've just tried starting the cat and no luck, so I've tried spraying some cold start in the air intake. It seems to burst to life with very high revs only to then die out with no reaction to the throttle at all. Does anyone have any idea's or any similar experiences as mine? I have a track day looming and desperately want to get it sorted in time. Help a damsel in distress PLEASE!!!!!!!!

P.S Battery has been charged, so doesn't appear to be that. Ignition is turning over nicely.

Just in case I can help others or I need the information again I thought it would be good to post on here.

Response 1 – thanks to Dan: Assuming there is fuel in it, turn the ignition on to get the fuel pump going, press the accelerator pedal to the floor a few times (but don't hold it down), put the clutch in and then turn the engine over. Hopefully you will start to hear the engine catch. Repeat a few times and hopefully it will start. Usually works for me!

 

Response 2 – thanks to JP: Give it some Whiskers and if that doesn't work set the dog on it!

Mine is not a great starter, particularly if it is cold or damp. If it starts straight away with cold start then it certainly sounds like fuel rather than electrics. I always do as Dan suggests and just keep trying. Eventually it fires then falters and stops, and then goes for a bit longer until finally it goes. If it doesn't try doing as I do - swear at it; get out and kick it; swear at it again and then threaten to sell it. That normally does the trick.

 

Response 3 –thanks to Andrew:

Classics' carbs are set up to run rich to avoid blowing the engine at high revs, and that makes them more difficult to start from cold. As such they are very easy to flood and the spark plugs/HT leads/coil/general electrics need to be in good condition or it won't like it.

That said, some cars are better than others. My old one (now Dan's) wanted priming with the throttle pedal but even then never liked the cold and I remember struggling to start the bu99er at Spa in October. Always went in the end though. If you're still struggling after trying everything in the advice below, you should probably seek professional help as it may be that something needs replacement.