308 starting procedure... or have i a problem?

DO NOT USE THE CHOKE

Turn car on for thirty seconds - pump throttle some - rotate engine

And yes it sounds like there's a little electrical gremlin too

 

Your starter relay may have a problem,they can become "sticky" over the years,and the voltage isn't going trough at 100%...
Had that problem on my Mondial too.
But first off all(really,not a joke),make a battery test:is it in good shape,are the connections OK without corrosion on them?Are they enough tight?This is the beginning of all:battery and wiring....
Ofcourse don't forget Birdman's fuseblocks.....
Speedman.

 

I reckon that you may have worn contacts in your starter motor solenoid. Maybe could also be a sticky starter relay? As mentioned, the best way is to go, is to check the battery 1st(load test ect..) then go from there. Although im sure the battery is ok. Maybe have the starter motor removed and taken to a good auto elec shop to get them to check it out.

 

what's the reason for that?

 

I was once told that apart from its not necessary there is a significant concern that the linkage may stick or split so that for example one or more carb choke may remain open when the others are closed - this would yield some cylinders running full rich and others normal - with possible bad consequences - sorry I haven't described it tooo well but I hope you get my meaning

 

now on my 4th ferrari with carbs, and i never use the choke.

most times i disconnect the buggers too.

to start :

key on for usually 20-30 seconds,

2 pumps of the gas pedal, and hit the key to "start" while pumping the pedal a 3rd time.

works every time in every carb ferrari and lambo i have had that was driveable.

 

"clicking" instead of cranking would indicate weak battery IMO.

Do you have the Manual?

carreaper has described the procedure well.......WAIT and let the carbs pump up, then befroe cranking pump the pedal a significant amount 2, no more than 3 times, THEN crank it while pushing pedal towards floor.

It also says warm up at 4K RPM, my neighbors really appreciate I only use 3K or so..

Choke off 'cuz if a rarely used choke hangs ON it will flood car and wash oil out of cylinders and other maladies.

HTH

It's always a dead battery. Drive them once a week minimum to avoid this problem! If just to the store for more beer!

 

30 Seconds of fuel pump? Wow! I've definitely been shorting myself. I usually turn the key to Position 1, buckle my seatbelt, and adjust the seat position (I guess usually in the reverse order of that, actually), do the old "jiggle-the-shifter-in-the-gate-to-make-sure-it's-in-neutral" thing (why the hell this is, I don't know - I think I just like the metallic sound - pump 3 times HALFway, and turn key to "Start." That all usually takes around 10 seconds. Sometimes...like 1 out of 3, the car will start and then die, but I've always chalked that up to my idle being set a little low. Perhaps I'll start giving it the full 30 seconds and see if I notice any changes...

I learn something new here everyday, I swear...

 

KershIrl,

My guess is that the problem is caused by the solenoid switch of the starter. What you described sounds like one of the most common failures of old cars. However, I would expect the problem to occur independently from the engine temperature.
Usually, this problem is worsening over time and at some point you will not get beyond the "click" anymore. Knocking on the starter with a piece of metal sometimes helps for the moment. I agree to what PAP 348 said, it makes probably sense to dismantle the starter and have it overhauled.


Jan

 

I had the same problem on my GT4, turned out to be a loose wire on the starter solonoid, a real bugger to get to!
I have also diconnected my choke from the carbs - just pump the throttle twice and off she goes.

 

You need to hook up with the Owner's Site at the factory..

Enter your 5 digit VIN number and then they will allow you to download .pdf files of all your books......somebody post the link, you tech gurus..

Also FerrariUK in England is now our parts support and the diagrams there make for hours of interesting study!

Perfusion I think the Manual actually says ONe Minute! I'll read it and confirm..anyway a sharp ear can detect the change of note of the fuel pump as the carbs fill and back pressure goes up...

"at one with the machine"
Tex

 

Jack it up, lie under the left hand side and stick your arm between the 4 branch and the block. The starter is i there. Its a real bugger to get to! There is a heat shield wrapped round it and you can just about get a 10mm (I think) socket on to the earth and 12v+ cable, but what ever you do disconnect teh battery first it don't half make a loud bang if you forget!