3 hp cold start

[jshouk]

as you know my 58 3hp has independent adjustment of the fuel for both the idle and fast run jets. what is the optimal strategy for getting the engine to start cold on choke with the least number of cord pulls and run smoothly? at the moment i'm turning the idle adjust ccw to richen it a bit. i recall that my mid 60's 3hp would start with one pull; the 58 sometimes does that and some times takes 2 or 3. ignition is new and the compression is good and the carb recently overhauled. thanks, jon s

 

[steelespike]

Re: 3 hp cold start

I adjust high and low speed to the best setting and then turn toward rich a little not affecting the performance.This should avoid too lean settings and rerspond better when cold.If you do extended low speed operation you may need to lean it a bit.Or run a step hotter plug.

 

[F_R]

Re: 3 hp cold start

2 or 3 pulls certainly is not out of line for cold starting. In fact, I'd consider that to be first class.

 

[kbait]

Re: 3 hp cold start

Get the needles set nicely when engine is at operating temp, and upon cold starting, richen the low speed 1/4 turn to lessen lean 'sneeze' at idle. I don't usually do that, but rather just bump the choke a few times until it warms slightly, then it's all good. If you shut the fuel petcock off and let the carb drain, the next cold start will take several pulls or more after you open the petcock and gravity feed fuel into the carb bowl. If you don't run the carb out of fuel, 2 or 3 pulls on cold start, as F R said, is first class.

 

[jshouk]

Re: 3 hp cold start

thanks guys. i usually drain the carb bowl and it sound like its performing as it should. i'll try opening up the main jet a little - good idea. ambient temp for duck hunting here is now in the low 30's to high 20's so i suspect its as good as it will get. jon s