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TR2/3/3A TR-3 hard to start, but runs well once started

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sammy

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I have a TR3 and I am puzzled. I have rebuilt carbs and electronic ignition. It cranks well, but doesn't want to start. I have tried choke on and choke off. It typically won't start with a cold engine without starter fluid. Once started, it runs well and will fire up once warm.

Does anyone have any ideas on where I should look and what may need adjusted?

Thanks for your help.
 
Could be many things, but a few that come to mind are,
Low compression. Either from worn rings, valves/ seats, or if there's a problem with the fuel system, from the cylinders getting washed down with fuel.
Next thought would be a weak coil, but there are usually more symptoms that go with that.
Or,possibly timing is off. Have you checked it lately, and also have you checked the mechanical advance mechanism in the distributor? It it's not working/ stuck, that coud cause an issue
Also, the carbs might need adjustment. If they're outta whack, it's an issue.
Just some ideas.
 
Definitely start by making sure the choke pulls both jets down by the same amount.

FWIW, I had the same symptoms and solved them in the short term by losing the electronic ignition. Had several other components fail a few months later, so they may have been the root cause, but it started fine with points installed.
 
Hard starting cold is likely caused by not enough fuel, especially if ether gets it going. I'm with Randall...concentrate on the chokes...

John
 
I richened the mixture a bit and found out the rear choke wasn't opening all the way. It's still a bit slow to fire when cold, but nothing like it was before.

PD
 
I thought all British cars were hard to start :p

On a serious note, do you think the fuel lines are clogged at all? they might be if your TR-3 has been sitting for an extent of time. My Spit sat for 15 years when I first started tinkering with it. We were getting spark but no fuel, so I got an old brake cable and fed in through the fuel line to push all the gummed up crud out.
 
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