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T-Series Hard to start

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Louis 52MGTD

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Hi all,
I bought a 1952 MGTD a few months ago, it starts ok if you start it every day or two, but if it sits for 3-4 days is hard to start, it will fire once or twice but not start, if you keep trying it will finely start, it is keep in the garage.

When I start it up every day or two, I cut on the sw. and let the fuel pressure build up, pull the choke all the way out and it fires right up. no prob.

When it does start it runs ok. should I use some starter fluid if it sits more then a couple of days ? I don't have the time to take it to a shop "to long of a wait to get in"
I tried pumping the gas a few times, nothing, seems like it is not getting any gas to the carb's ?? but the fuel pump does cut off like the pressure is up ??

Thanks for any advice. Louis
 
Sounds to me like the pump is loosing it prime and bleeding back.
Pumping the pedal will do nothing for starting.
You should switch the key to on, pull the choke and then the starter cable and vroom.
I would not advise using starter fluid.
 
If the pump is loosing it's prime and bleeding back, the pump should start running again, right ???
I'm new at this British car thing, been playing with VW bugs too long I guess ????
 
I would think so. Have seen holes in pipes and loose hoses, etc add to problems.
Your VeeDubs probably have accelerator pump in the carburetor….SUs don’t.
 
Try this - let the car sit for a few days. Then turn on the switch, listen for the fuel pump to quit clicking, then pull the starter knob. I assume the car won't start.

Turn off the switch, pull a spark plug, and see if it's wet with fuel, or at least smells like fresh fuel.

You're testing if fuel is reaching the plugs after the engine sits unused.

Let us know what you find.
Tom M.
 
Pumping the gas pedal doesn't do anything on a car with SU carbs, they don't have a carburetor pump like most other carbs. Pulling the "choke" out enrichens the full flow, like an aircraft mixture control in reverse. One thing you could try if you have fuel going into the cylinders is to take a matchbook cover, open the points in the distributor, close them on the matchbook cover or other similar piece of thin cardboard, and wipe the points after closing them, as sometimes when one of these cars/engines sets for a spell they get a film on the points and won't make proper contact. Just something simple to try. Good luck. PJ
 
After sitting for a few days just dribble a cap full fuel into the carb and pull the starter, if it fires up straight away you know it is fuel related.
 
Thank you all, good advice. I will try them all.

Paul161, the prev. owner put in elect. ign. I wish he would have left the reg. points in :( .

Tom, I like that, and will try it soon. great idea.
I will get back soon.
 
I think I have found the prob. the choke knob is hard to pull, I pulled a little harder and it came out about 1/2" more. the cable is binding some.
But it does start a lot better after sitting 4-6 days.

I think who ever put the last choke cable on did not take the time to do it right.

Does anyone ever get to the point where they have nothing to do to there car but drive it ? ;)
 
Lou - glad you solved the problem.

You can probably put some lightweight oil on a cloth, then rub the choke cable with it. Then pull the choke knob in and out several times, to free it up. Also, be sure you see the jets under the carbs drop down, when you pull the choke knob fully out.

Tom M.
and no - there's never a point where you have nothing to do on the car. Unless you drain all the liquids, put it up on blocks, and mummify it in a hyperbaric low humidity, controlled temp bubble!
 
Also make sure your oil dampers are full. If the the oil dampers are empty, the piston will rise quickly and air speed over the fuel jet will slow down. If there is oil in the damper, the piston will rise slowly and the air speed is fast. Good advise for any side draft carb
 
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