Car needing accelerator to get going these days....

[Gingerbread Man]

My car's not decided that recently it's not wanting to start spot on every time.

In the morning it may have rained heavily, go to start and it needs some accelerator to start it and then this held down for a short time at low RPM to keep it in and then it's fine once going.

I finished work today ~5PM and also had the same problem starting it. Not as much as issue in the evening as in the morning as I doubt people love me holding some rev's on it first thing.

I'm based in Hampshire if that helps weather wise. It's not been freezing, just the normal crap day where you put a coat on.#

The batteries not very old, but it is quite small. Mine failed and I bought it following a thread on Blatchat. Maybe it turns out that it's fine for them who keep it in a warm garage, but mine lives an outside life, maybe it's not the problem at all?

I recall similar problems last winter with the previous Banner battery, so it might not be battery related.

What can cause it and I'll get investigating.

It's a 1999 K series if that means anything in the situation.

[DCL]

There are a 101 reasons for poor starting but what you are describing suggests to me the the compression may not be what it used to be. I'd give it an oil change and if it that helps (temporally) it may be worth doing a compression tests with the view to an overhaul if things get worse. Only my opinion!

[Gingerbread Man]

Thanks for the reply.

It's hopefully becoming a second car over winter with the view to doing a few odds and ends while it can be off the road. I'll get the oil changed and see if it changes things.

[Tango7]

Hi,

If its poor starting in cold/wet weather, perhaps the dizzy cap and rotor needs a change? Located at the rear of the engine and suspectible to water from the bonnet louvres, they can show signs of wear and age if not changed periodically. There is a central electrode in the dizzy cap that wears out and deposits also build on the terminals inside the cap. Its got to be worth a look in there!

T

[Dave J]

turn ignition on and then depress accelerator five times slowly. then turn ignition off again. this will reset the throttle potentiometer.
if this doesnt work then try replacing plugs.
it could also be a temperature sensor - water or air that is broken .

dj

[Cock Womble 7]

That sounds identical to the starting problems I have with mine. I was told by the previous owner that it's to do with the Emerald ECU being set up with the engine warmed up - therefore the Emerald doesn't "like" a cold engine.

That may well be complete tosh - and I'm sure someone will be along soon to assert that - but every other component in the starting sequence seems to be spot on.

I too feel sorry for my neighbours, as I regularly leave for work at silly o'clock.

[Dave J]

CW
all you need to do is adjust the temperature compensation in the ecu on a lap top.
then the car will start at any temperature on the button and idle properly.
this usually take me a few mornings to get right but it's nice to have a proper idle of a morning.

[Gingerbread Man]

No emerald ECU for me, bog standard rover unit.

I'll get around to checking all of the suggestions while it's off the road in two weeks time or so. It'll be my first winter not in the Caterham which will be a pleasant odd experience.

[Cock Womble 7]

Dave J said:

CW
all you need to do is adjust the temperature compensation in the ecu on a lap top.
then the car will start at any temperature on the button and idle properly.
this usually take me a few mornings to get right but it's nice to have a proper idle of a morning.

Thanks. I've got all the Emerald software/connections and a laptop. Will have to have a fiddle some time.

Weirdly, on some mornings it just starts first time, no fuss no drama.

On others, it's a bugger.