My 210, runs rough cold

[wobbedennis]

My Datsun 210 with the 1.4L engine, Hitachi DCH-306-63 2 bbl carb seems to have a problem running cold. it has a really bad miss and will barely run. when warmed up, runs like a top. I have checked for proper choke operation, and that has been confirmed. Choke works like it should, Spark plugs have been cleaned and regapped, the only problem plug was out of number two and it was oil fouled, no change, and the valves have been set to .14 hot if I remember correctly, Can't run a compression check as my tester has left me at some point during the move. any ideas and or solutions?

[ggzilla]

Proper choke operation - if you did not confirm it yourself, that is the problem 95% of the time. How was it confirmed?

 

Compression is good, since it runs like a top when warm.

[wobbedennis]

I confirmed it myself. I set the choke and it shut fully, and when I released the choke it reopened, though not all the way thanks to the electric choke, which held it part ways closed until it warmed up, then it fully opened

[ggzilla]

released it? Automatic choke should close 100% with engine cold and stay there until engine is started. You may need to crack the throttle for it to close 100%

[datzenmike]

and the valves have been set to .14 hot if I remember correctly,

 

0.014" perhaps?

 

Take the top off the air filter, pump the gas peddle, choke plate should close fully, start, choke plate will open very slightly and fast idle will be engaged (1,800 to 2,200 RPMs)

[wobbedennis]

When starting it's fully closed, when I nail it once to set it, I start it, then nail it again to open it. It remains closed but then gradually opens as the engine warms, it doesn't open a crack, but then again once it fires and runs I nail it again and release the choke

[datzenmike]

You do not 'nail it again' this will kick the choke off or reduce it's effect. You should be able to start it up and drive away.

[wobbedennis]

I'll try not to kick the coke off this tomorrow morining

[ggzilla]

Yes, no need to immediately open the throttle after starting. But you will need to do so eventually. Sounds like the choke is working fine

 

Other cause of poor cold running include:

- fast idle set too low. Should be 1800 - 2400 rpm

- heat riser valve in exhaust manifold stuck open

- idle mixture incorrectly set

 

[wobbedennis]

well I wound up doing it tonight. I lost the doughnut for the exhaust, and I have a new one to replace it. I started it and at idle, it ran better, but once I got in it a little to get her to move, back to her old tricks. took me five min to get her onto the ramps. didn't want to go, just stalled or once she warmed up (D@#$&%) she would then just spin her tire.

[ggzilla]

Sounds like the fast idle is set too low.

[wobbedennis]

I'll have to put it on a tach when I get to work, Also, I have to relocate my manual so I can do the adjustment if nessesary

[wobbedennis]

High Idle is at 1500, when it smooths out. what ever it is, it's getting worse. It's starting to stall out when I feather the throttle, like when you're in stop and go traffic.

[ggzilla]

1500 rpm is a liitle low for cold engine fast idle. You can turn the screw to raise the speed up to 2000. Then it should run good cold and be able to drive it immediately after starting.

 

[wobbedennis]

ok, well the battery died on me today, I'm hopeing to limp it through on it, but one of the cell's acid is an amber to rust color. Picking up a new battery today. What would cause the stallling at temp?

[ggzilla]

Lot of things can cause that symptom. Most common is vacuum leak at a hose-end.