incosistent starting on 84 QV | FerrariChat
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incosistent starting on 84 QV

Discussion in '308/328' started by 308rookie, Sep 22, 2008.

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  1. 308rookie

    308rookie Rookie

    Aug 15, 2007
    31
    Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    brad
    #1 308rookie, Sep 22, 2008
    I have had variable performance getting my car started for the year that I have owned my 84 QV GTSi. Lately I have decided I need to dig into this, as it is annoying and I am fearful of stressing the starter motor. Typically when the car is cold (sitting overnight) it will fire almost immediately. However, it will tend to sputter as though it is slightly flooded for about 10-15 seconds and then clear up with an increase in rpm and eventually settle down to a slower idle. My concern is when I take the car somewhere and shut it down. If I try to restart it, I will get a very long cranking time (about 10-15 seconds) before it catches on maybe a couple of cylinders (this is typically when my gut is telling me to give the starter motor a rest!). When it does fire up, it appears to have a worse flooding condition than with a cold start. It will typically belch a bit of smoke from rich exhaust too. Just like the cold start, it will clear up in about 10-15 seconds with the increase in rpm. It appears to me that when it starts, it doesn't fire on all cylinders right away. After the 10-15 second period, it clears up and all cylinders appear to fire (increase in rpm). Also, the increases in rpm are not from pushing the gas pedal, as this tends to make things worse.
    Any advice on where I should be looking, ignition or fuel? By the way, once she smoothes out, she runs just fine, so it just seems to be a problem during starting only.

    Any advice appreciated!
    Thanks,
    Brad
     
  2. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    #2 climb, Sep 22, 2008
    May post in the technical section if you haven't already. WUR, cold start valve, fuel accumulator etc. Do a search too and you'll find plenty to keep you going on the problem.

    I personally don't know.
     
  3. BAturb

    BAturb Formula Junior

    Nov 14, 2007
    550
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Allan
    #3 BAturb, Sep 23, 2008
    I had similar issues with my 85 qv mondial, it turned out to be leaking injectors, i replaced them and the plugs and all is good now
     
  4. 308rookie

    308rookie Rookie

    Aug 15, 2007
    31
    Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    brad
    #4 308rookie, Sep 23, 2008
    Thanks for the response. I plan to connect a pressure gauge and see if I have a leak. Will keep you posted on my progress.
     
  5. mfrener

    mfrener Rookie

    Dec 3, 2007
    3
    Full Name:
    Marc F. Rener
    #5 mfrener, Sep 23, 2008
    You just described my 1984 308 to a tee.
    This started just last weekend I'm trying to get my 308 in on the machine I'll post whatever I come up with(if it solves the problem).
    Marc
     
  6. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
    BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

    Apr 26, 2006
    3,664
    New England
    Full Name:
    David Feinberg
    #6 fastradio, Sep 23, 2008
    Brad,

    This is where I'd look first. Leaking injectors will cause both of your symptoms.

    Regards,
    David
     
  7. fletch62

    fletch62 Formula Junior

    Mar 8, 2004
    333
    Fairhope, AL
    Full Name:
    Larry Fletcher
    #7 fletch62, Sep 23, 2008
    This is probably a leakdown problem, check valve, pressure regulator, or accumulator. If you need to know how to test these, Call me.

    Larry Fletcher
    CIS Flow Tech Llc.
    251-929-3771
     
  8. 4valve

    4valve Rookie

    May 6, 2005
    27
    Central Coast Calif.
    #8 4valve, Sep 23, 2008
    +1 My 1983 (US) 308 does the same thing. It started doing it about 4 years ago. 1st time it happened I almost had a heart attack thinking it had jumped time. Now it's kinda no big deal, after a few moments it usually cleans out and runs great.
     
  9. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #9 Paul_308, Sep 24, 2008
    You have 2 symptoms.
    1) Starts easily within a day but the longer it sets, the longer it needs to crank.
    Pressure leakdown - accumulator, fuel pump check valve.
    2) Starts easily within a day but sputters for 20 seconds then runs fine.
    Injector leakdown.

    Fix #1 and see if #2 disappears. Pressure gauge and Haynes Bosch injection manual provide a wealth of information.
    When you crack upon the banjo fittings to get a pressure reading...replace the copper crush washer. Which is to say, think ahead and get some washers, or don't start the job on a Saturday night. (like I did)
     

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