Over time, it takes more gas pumps and choke to start...why?

[DocuDude]

Hi,

i got my 1987 beauty for 3 years, love it....and love these 1990's gas prices.


When I first got the car, it would take 2 gas pumps and the choke pulled out to start it. Cold or warm I did it the same way-- (I am in Los Angeles, so its never COLD here).

But now I am up to 5 pumps to get her started along with choke pulled out all the way. And now on some startups, its as if the choke isnt even pulled out at all and its starving for gas and my RPM's are real low. Sometimes it will stall out, and other times if I give it steady gas it will get that big gas kick and rev up to a full open choke RPM.

It is probably 50/50 when I start and it doesnt rev 1000+ RPM's with full choke.

What gives?

Thanks

EDIT:

I give 5 pumps on the gas, and then continue holding down the gas when i turn the ignition on.

 

[forestdan7]

When's the last time you tuned it up: plugs, cap, rotor, check wires, valves, air filter, etc.?

I've had good luck starting mine when it's warm outside (say above 45 F), just by giving it a couple of pumps and starting, with no choke. I only have to use the choke when it's really cold out.

For a warm engine start, try just holding the pedal and turning the key, no choke. Should fire right up.

 

[35inchoverdrive]

If it's gotten worse over time, I would suspect that your accelorator pump is clogged. The passage has probably become progressively more blocked. Cruisers can be a bear to start once it gets blocked up.

 

[IrollwithTojo]

I never pump my 89 62. Should I?
(Sorry for the hijack)
-Carl

 

[chitown40]

No, your FJ62 is fuel injected, so you do not need to pump the accelerator while starting.

 

[IrollwithTojo]

Wow....my bad...I feel really smart right now

-Carl

 

[bigblackbeard]

I usually only pump mine a few times and choke it, but does it really matter if you pump it a few more times than you have to? Is it bad for the engine?

 

[Gabbo]

My 81' fj60 starts up with full choke and one pump every time.
Even when it's below freezing!

 

[NLXTACY]

Ok I am having the same issue right now BUT the only difference is I just had the carb rebuild by Mark's Off Road. Sooo, I can reasonably predict that the carb is no longer my starting issue. Now I can turn my attention to the ONLY thing it could be...spark. I pulled the #1 plug and it looked like hell. No idea how many miles on it. So I just picked up cap, rotor, wires and plugs from SOR and will be doing the tune-up in a few minutes after I get grub. I will report back for you all to let you know if the tune-up takes care of the issue.

BTW I ONLY have this issue on the very first start up of the day. Every other time I got to start it it fires right up, which makes the spark MORE of the culprit.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Check for a vaccum leak. All those old rubber lines need to be replaced. Still could be accel. pump. Mike

 

[rchalmers3]

Eventually the piston and check balls in the carburetor accelerator pump wear out, failing to deliver the much needed enrichment for coaxing the old girl to life.

If your motor is in good health and proper tune, you may start saving your pennies for a carb overhaul, with attention given to the accelerator pump circuit.

Rick

 

[bigDcruiser]

similar problem here when it's cold. actually couldn't get her started at all the other day when it was coldest (mid 20's). damn near burned the started up trying and finally took the touareg to work (heated seats are nice). got in the next day after it warmed into the 40's and she started first try. it's never a problem other than the first start when it's cold out.

 

[35inchoverdrive]

I usually only pump mine a few times and choke it, but does it really matter if you pump it a few more times than you have to? Is it bad for the engine?

Aditional pumping will not hurt anything.

 

[mp_cude]

my 85 needs 3 pumps and full choke, hot or cold. Just did a full desmog, weber, header, etc. Full tune up including valve adjust and timing adjust, 148k, runs better than new, still needs 3 pumps and full choke, before and after desmog.

my 82 looks to have a newish AISIN, only needs full choke when cold, starts right up, dont even really hear the starter run. If I pump it (as i did when i first got it) It will flood and wont start for 3-5 minutes....Mabey you need a tune up, or it's out of time

 

[chitown40]

Cables stretch and come out of adjustment over time. It's possible that the choke is not closing completely. It should be COMPLETELY closed in order to be most effective. The carb has a choke opener system built into the linkages on the side so when it needs more air when cold starting it will open the diaphragm as much as it needs.