Cold Starting on a Series II

[jet_jockey]

Hello All

Greg from Montana here.
I am having trouble with cold start on my Series II with the Zenith/Stromberg carbs. No accellerator pump and no choke plate does not give one much to manipulate. Ideas?

I have considered fabricating a way to inject raw gasoline into the manifold or Carbs. Starting fluid?

Greg in Montana

 

[jessebogan]

Jeeze, starting fluid?? How about making sure the chokes actually work first. Have the carbs been cleaned or rebuilt in the recent past by someone that has seen stombergs before? The choke "mechanisms" on the side of the carbs admit extra fuel through a series of very tiny graduated holes. As "gas" dries up in seldom used carbs, the holes can get plugged. Make sure they are all open in both chokes. Make sure the float levels are correct. Make sure the mixture needles are clean, without dried gas altering their shape. The choke assemblies have a stop screw on them that limits the travel of the choke arm. These have a summer and winter setting. The winter setting allows slightly more travel. Make sure the choke cables actually move the choke arms to the end of their travel. Of course, make sure the state of tune in the engine is good, points and timing set correctly, spark plugs good (and correct, not "platinum") Check for vacuum leaks....
If all is correct, the car should start just fine, even in 0 degree temps.

 

[LarryK]

Always beware of using the starting fluid. 1st: it can put you out. 2nd: It can burn you bad. 3rd: It can blow the intake and heads off. If the car has sat, clean the carbs as Jesse suggested. When storing a Jag for long periods of time use the proper storage techniques and you won't have this problem.

 

[Geo Hahn]

...Of course, make sure the state of tune in the engine is good, points and timing set correctly, spark plugs good (and correct, not "platinum")...

Might I ask -- why not platinum?

I inquire not because I am partial to them, I just happened to pick up a set at Pep Boys on Black Friday because they were free.

Is it longevity? perfromance? fouling?

Thanks for any advice - have all the old plugs out anyway for a compression test & timing so now is the time to know.

 

[Snakeyes]

The zenith/Stromberg carburetors are essentially self choking. Check if the Pistons in the carburetor move freely up and down. Check the oil in the damping cylinder. For colder starting try using a slightly thicker oil. This will prevent the piston from rising too quickly and provide the choking necessary for cold starts. Best of luck

 

[DrEntropy]

In the heavy winter conditions in Montana, I'd count on the thing to work if it is in proper trim.