Metro stuff

[RedSparrow]

I woke up this morning with the urge to get the metro looking good and running nicely for the summer. I fancy some rallye lamps on the front, anyone got any suitable that want rid of?Also, does anyone have a solution to the a-series starting problems?Forgive my ignorance.

[M'coli]

I've never heard of an otherwise healthy A-series that wouldn't start, what are the symptoms? Is it standard or modified in any way?

[RedSparrow]

Its only unusual in the way that it doesn't leak oil!Needs masses of choke to get going, even on a warm day. Has done 95k though...

[M'coli]

If the engine's cold, full choke will be required - it's just the way the carb is made - there's no choke flap, but (IIRC) a seperate choke circuit. If it's the 1-litre engine, it'll need choke for some time after too, as that's the way the carb's built - it's designed to run lean on part throttle to improve the fuel efficency, and hence needs to be fairly warm for the lean mixture to work well enough..When you shut off and know the engine'll be cold the next time you start it, pull the choke out and then turn it off! It pre-loads the engine with rich mixture, and the piston in the SU traps it in the manifold.

[RedSparrow]

Thanks for your help.I am not exactly the worlds best mechanic, you may have noticed!

[dollywobbler]

Can only echo the above. Whereas my 2CV is not a huge fan of choke, my wife's Mini loves it and throws comprehensive strops if you try and shut it off too soon.

[Richard]

A Series should start before you've had time to hear the starter motor.

[dollywobbler]

When our Mini won't start, it's usually because the points gap has closed up. Warning. When putting the dizzy cap back on, don't snap the springy conductory bit off at the top. I've done this twice. Never goes down well with the owner of said Mini...

[v6pop]

When you shut off and know the engine'll be cold the next time you start it, pull the choke out and then turn it off! It pre-loads the engine with rich mixture, and the piston in the SU traps it in the manifold.

....doing this also washes the bores of any lubricant so when you restart its metal on metal!!.....

[meggersdog]

What's already been said really.My Maestro needs full choke to start then half choke for about four miles otherwise it coughs and splutters at roundabouts.

[RedSparrow]

Thanks all.Its kind of re assuring that it is a fairly common thing. I forget the thing is 27 years old sometimes and I should be more sympathetic with it!