Dear all, During the winter time, you can imagine that my baby stays in the garage. I try to start up the engine one or two times a month, for the lubrication.. I don't know if it is a good idea but I did it every winters for 30 years without any problems. But yesterday, (after 3 weeks), I started up the engine.... I started on 7 cylinders for +/-20 seconds... When the engine is hot, there is no problem anymore.... The next cold start up made the same trouble.... Do you have any idea? Have a nice day
You could put a timing light on each lead. If there all firing then you have a possible plug problem. This process eliminates one of a few possible issues. It's a start anyway. Good luck
Coucou thank you for your comments... I’ve just started the engine 1h ago.... it was 100% perfect... It is strange.... bad electric contact maybe? Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Was it colder or damper when you had the starting problems? If so look towards the ht leads. If not, then I’m not sure, but would put a new set of plugs on the list for your next service.
You could try cleaning the HT lead connectors at both ends with isopropyl alcohol (for further evaluation). Are the plastic boots clean and in good condition?
The lead connectors are clean, but I shall use alcool to clean again. I hope that the valves are perfectly sealed ! It really sound like a ignition problem.... I keep you informed if I find someting have a nice day
Cleanliness of the HT lead connectors does not really matter as 40,000 Volt (or more) that flows through will easily go over the connectors, even if they are not properly plugged in but a few millimeters away from the spark plug pin (and it will not affect the quality of the spark). In the old days, one of the methods to increase somewhat the intensity of the spark on the plug was to insert a gap, 1 mm or so, in the HT lead. There was a bakelite in-line connector with a gap inside it you could buy. It looks more like one of your HT leads has deteriorated and is arcing to the ground when cold and somewhat damp. One way to check is to start the engine in the dark and look for sparks coming out of the cables, during the time when it runs on 7 cylinders.
Could also be a sticking injector due to standing still. Which fuel are you using ? Modern fuel with methanol is very bad for all rubber parts of old cars and remains ok for only a few months !! Some people also speak of only weeks !
I'm going to bet on plug fouling...! If you have only started the engine occasionally, without going for a drive, the plugs will be fouled. When cold, your engine will receive a much richer fuel mixture. As it warms, the ECUs will lean it out. Over time, starting without driving will carbon up your plugs. Pull your plugs, my bet is they will be very BLACK. Throw some new plugs in and give it a good Italian tune up!!!
It is time for the spring maintenance... I shall keep the maximum attention at all your comments Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
