Running rough on cold start

[ph91]

Hi guys

I have a 1985 gt which was driving great up until recently. When I start it after leaving it over night it runs very rough and there is a strong smell of fuel. The battery warning light is also on.

However once it's warm it runs great.

Ive no real mechanical experience so have no idea what could be causing this.

The only engine mod I have done is to swap over the rocker cover which requires removing a couple of bits and pieces.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[ianaudia4]

Is your alternator belt tightened correctly?
Does your car have the original carb or has it been changed for a Webber?

[Nate]

If the tixkover is too low, the alternator might not start charging, so as long as the light goes out once you drive off, that's not necessarily a problem.

I'm assuming you've checked for a fuel leak?

[ph91]

Hi

It is a pierburg carb and from what i can see the alternator belt looks good.

I did however notice that the choke cable seemed pretty slack when i took the air filter off to check the condition of the carb. could this be a cause of the problem?

[ianaudia4]

The Pierburg has an auto choke!

[marcus]

A number of different Pierburgs were fitted, are they all auto?

[ianaudia4]

It should be a Pierburg 2E2, which has an auto-choke.

[ianaudia4]

You may have dislodged the wire off the carb pre-heater, worth checking even if to illiminate.
Worth checking the flange as well as all the vacuum hoses.

[Nate]

It should be a Pierburg 2E2, which has an auto-choke.

Vauxhall used to use the 2e3 pierburg. There were several companies making manual choke conversions for them. Although it was never advertised as fitting vw, the conversions bolt on no problem - I did my scala when I first had it. I'm sure I can't be the only person who worked that out.

Think we need a photo of this one

[ph91]

Hi

thanks for all the suggestions.

i spent a few minutes in the car this morning starting it and the battery warning light was flickering because the revs were dropping so low, so it is pretty much cutting out.

i took a guess it was the choke wire, as i said no mechanical experience at all...

i will check everything listed and get back as soon as possible. running it to a mechanic friend tomorrow morning so hopefully can fix it all up

[ph91]

Turns out it was the cold start solenoid as well as a misfire on cold start. All parts ordered and will update once they're i ! Thanks to all for replying