Winter cold start

[Robbie224]

Owned mini since april last year. It has a twin hs2 carb set up with original mini Cooper s oval metal air fillers box. Carbs are tuned GT runs very well once it's up to temperature. Never had any issues cols starting in spring\summer months. This is my GTs first proper cold winter since I owned it and its a pig to start from cold now. Its garaged and not used much in these winter months . Tried starting it in garage just to keep it ticking over during storage very difficult to start. Any ideas? Once start it ticks over on choke and no choke once warm . Would it just be a cold damp issue or choke issue?
Thanks Rob

[Polarsilver]

Perhaps the fuel is too old .. Petrol can go off in a matter of weeks

[Robbie224]

That definitely would be a very high possible reason. I'll get some fresh e5 .

[Catmint]

That definitely would be a very high possible reason. I'll get some fresh e5 .

Put some briggs and stratton fuel preserver in works brilliantly

[360gts]

I would ay it is more likely an electrical issue.
As I live in a very crisp winter climate I can assure you...electrical issues get worse as the temperature drops (I live in Canada)

It is time to go back to basics.
Check that the distributor cap doesn't have condensation inside... If it does....it will cause 'tracking' inside (shorting)
Make sure the wires are good and no leakage.
Check the distributor cap for hairline cracks
Coil should be clean around the wires.
Finally, the plugs.....

Check the plugs to see if they are wet after a couple of tries....when you have them out....turn it over and see if you have a strong spark.


Good luck
Dermott

[LarryLebel]

Look at the engine in the dark while its running. If you see a 'light' show you have the electrical/wiring issues 360gts discusses.

[minibitz]

I agree with Dermott.

Also, if you are starting car on choke several times and not running it up to high enough temp or taking for a short run then it’s possible the plugs will foul sufficiently to cause bad starting.

Get this a lot on vehicles I have subbed out for paint, electrical work etc. vehicles get moved in and out of workshops for several days on full choke then I get the call…..your car won’t start!

[Robbie224]

Thanks every one. Some very good advice to read.
Something else that might not of helped was not have good healthy amount of charge in battery. Battery has had a couple of days charge which seems to help starting. I checked the plugs they were very black damp looking as I have been running mini on choke and without choke once warmed up BUT gt hasn't been on any drive so as ( minibitz) said can blacken plugs making starting harder. Will give plugs ( which are new ) a clean. Thinking now about getting a carcoon to keep mini comfortable.

[111Robin]

I would advise getting a battery conditioner and keep it on permanently during the winter. I used to keep cars in Carcoons but in my limited space they took up too much room and were too much hassle. All carburetted cars will be more difficult to start in cold and damp conditions, people just get used to modern cars that start first time in all conditions. Dampness inside the cap is one of the main contributing factors so do a quick check there before trying to start especially if there are signs of condensation elsewhere on the engine. The HT side of the ignition must have no insulation leaks or corroded connections. These are less of an issue in dry conditions but in the winter the dampness will provide easy leakage to earth, reducing the spark strength considerably. When these were everyday cars we just got used to carrying a can of WD40 and soaking the HT components on a damp winters day. With a strong battery, no HT leakage and a correctly operating choke starting in the winter shouldn't be an issue.

[Peter Laidler]

Yet ANOTHER little jem from Robin. Both my S's are laid up over the winter (one isn't a real S, but a 2001 Rover C-Sport) Batteries -ve disconnected and charged for an hour a day through a cheapo e-bay .5miliamp charger.the low trickle keeps 'em tip-top. Indeed, the red car started first kick after an 18 month layup over the covid year.

[Ronnie]

Yet ANOTHER little jem from Robin. Both my S's are laid up over the winter (one isn't a real S, but a 2001 Rover C-Sport) Batteries -ve disconnected and charged for an hour a day through a cheapo e-bay .5miliamp charger.the low trickle keeps 'em tip-top. Indeed, the red car started first kick after an 18 month layup over the covid year.

Hi Peter, do you use any fuel additives for the extended lay up

[Peter Laidler]

No, never used a fuel additive. The red RCSport started first kick after the 18 month covid lay-up but it does have a fully sealed fuel system. The bog standard white '69 S is not as good.......... it takes TWO kicks and it's off!