Starting procedure for 1975 Daimler 4.2

[Alfasudcrazy]

As a new owner of a 1975 Daimler 4.2 I was just wondering is there a special 'knack' (special way) in starting a Daimler. Mine starts all right but it takes about five attempts before it does. Do you pump the gas pedal first or leave it alone. Does the automatic choke engage automatically or do you have to do something to engage it.
My Daimler has the twin carburretors - it is stored in a dry garage abd the battery is very good. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

 

[piman]

Hello ASC,
there could be a slight leak (weep is probably more accurate) from the jet connection to the float chamber. If so switch on the ignition and wait 30 to 60 seconds before cranking, If it starts promptly then that is the problem, the float chambers are low on fuel and need to fill up. The automatic choke is just that.

Alec

 

[John S Farrington]

Pumping the accelerator pedal on an SU or ZS carburetor equipped car does not accomplish anything. Nor does a fuel injection car respond to acceleretor pumping. You must make sure that your automatic choke is working and adjusted properly. I personnaly prefere to convert the "waterchoke" on the ZS carbs to a manually operated choke since the choke is prone to not work. A manual pull knob on the dash for choke operation will make a vast improvement. Conversion kits for the manual choke are available from Moss or many other suppliers.

 

[Alfasudcrazy]

Thanks John - yes I reckon its my automatic choke not coming on - must investigate those manual choke kits

 

[piman]

Hello ASC,
I'm fairly sure, if yours is a UK spec Daimler, that you have S.U.'s not Zeniths and it may not be that easy or even desirable to convert to a manual choke.
I suggest that you get a manual and investigate the Auto Enrichment Device workings.

Good luck,

Alec