Jim, your description pretty much matches the way my BJ8 started in the
mornings last weekend after sitting outside in the rainy, cool mountains of
Virginia each night. The cars are very cold natured, and if the temps are
really cool or they have sat for several days, they can be reluctant to
start. The moisture you feel at the tailpipe is most likely the normal H20
that a cold engine generates until it warms up thoroughly. That's what
rusts out the exhaust system so quickly on cars that are just driven short
distances.
Normally, during the mild winters here after my car has sat idle in the
garage for a few days, I have to use starting fluid to give it a boost.
That usually makes it start right up first time. Not having the starting
fluid last weekend, I had to manually pull up on the carb jet levers while
my wife turned the key to coax it to start. That worked successfully after
grinding on the starter did not. Perhaps my chokes need a slight
adjustment, but I usually have no problem starting the car as long as it
isn't too cool and the engine has been exercised recently.
My suggestion would be first to make sure your choke cables are adjusted per
the manual, then to get yourself some starting fluid at your local parts
store. A good shot of that into each carb will avoid long cranks on the
starter.
Good luck!
Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Jim Parish
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 8:23 AM
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: tune up problems
I have a minor tune up challenge. Starting my 1965 BJ8 has become near
impossible. Lots of cranking, only an occasional fire followed by the
starter releasing and winding up. After ten or so episodes where I get some
spitting through the carbs and a backfire or two, with the choke pulled out
as far as it will go, I get enough fire to keep the engine running at below
600 RPM. As it warms up, the RPM's increase to over 2000, and I can adjust
the RPM's down by releasing part of the choke. When fully warm the car runs
just fine from then on. During the startup process, while it is struggling
to run, I can put my had behind the exhaust and it will shortly be covered
with liquid, perhaps gas but not as strong smelling. Any suggestions?
Jim Parish
Parish Partners, Inc.
214-663-6000 mobile
8904 SE Porter Road
Vancouver, WA 98664
360-828-8270 Washington office
503-622-1616 Oregon office
503-210-7115 fax
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