308 GT4 Hard Starting when Cold | FerrariChat
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308 GT4 Hard Starting when Cold

Discussion in '308/328' started by Jeff Cowan, Apr 6, 2018.

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  1. Jeff Cowan

    Jeff Cowan Rookie

    Feb 21, 2018
    17
    Full Name:
    Jeff Cowan
    #1 Jeff Cowan, Apr 6, 2018
    I'm only a week+ into my first 308 GT4 ownership experience and having some trouble remembering how to start cold carbureted engines again! It's been quite a few years. Any tips you can share? What are you experiences?

    My car will be sitting for long periods between drives. So far, after several days of sitting, it's taking me minutes to get it to fire up. I'm in northern CA with a moderate climate and I'm at 1550 feet elevation. The choke cable is suuuuuper stiff and I've been advised not to use it. The fuel pump runs normal. I've been gently pumping the throttle during startup, maybe 20% depression. It will start to fire then I release the throttle and starter and it dies. Repeat several times until pissed off.

    I'm hoping this is just technique I need to learn? Neither the previous owner or the shop that did the major service the other week said anything about a starting issue. In fact the shop commented how great the car runs and drives. I haven't checked back in with them for advice yet but they would be a great resource. I'm curious to hear from other owners how you start your cars!

    Thanks, Jeff
     
  2. Jeff Cowan

    Jeff Cowan Rookie

    Feb 21, 2018
    17
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    Jeff Cowan
    #2 Jeff Cowan, Apr 6, 2018
    Sorry for the double post...wifi glitch. Please post in the OTHER thread so we don't fragment the convo.
     
  3. scowman

    scowman F1 Rookie

    Mar 25, 2014
    2,550
    Scottsdale AZ
    Full Name:
    Stu Boogie
    #3 scowman, Apr 7, 2018
    Assume tuned up. Strong battery, fresh plugs, good wires, strong spark, well timed, rebuilt carbs and good fuel delivery.

    1. Let fuel pump run for about a min before cranking.
    2. Three full quick pumps on throttle to prime cylinders with accelerator pumps.
    3. Crank and slowly push throttle to the floor while cranking. If she doesn't pop or rumble here then something is wrong. See assumptions above.
    4. Repeat 2/3 until she catches. If she doesn't catch then something is wrong. See assumptions above.
    5. Once she catches back off throttle and hold above 2k for 45 seconds (watch second hand on clock, that's what it's there for).
    6. Drive off immediately and keep it slow until oil is up to temp.
    7. Give her an Italian tune up. (wind through gears up to 7k WOT in gears 2-5.

    If she doesn't start better after all that then the motor might have issues. Check compression.
     
    Jeff Cowan likes this.
  4. Jeff Cowan

    Jeff Cowan Rookie

    Feb 21, 2018
    17
    Full Name:
    Jeff Cowan
    #4 Jeff Cowan, Apr 8, 2018
    This is great, thanks, will try it today.
     

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