[Healeys] Starting a BJ8

[Bob Spidell]

Have him listen for the fuel pump pumping when he first turns the 
ignition switch to the 'run' position.  No click means no fuel; no fuel 
means no start (and a fast click means empty tank or air leak on the 
intake side).  As someone mentioned, push the gas pedal to the floor 
before attempting to pull the choke out.  Have the owner pay attention 
to the choke behavior: the last third or so of the 'pull' should have 
more resistance; that is when the throttles get opened slightly.  If 
not, the throttles aren't being opened and he won't get a cold start.  
Only engage the starter for 4-5 seconds at a time; let it 'rest' between 
attempts for 15 seconds or so lest the field coils in the starter get 
heat soaked and become less effective.   If it doesn't start in 3-4 
attempts--and your nephew is at all mechanically inclined--have him pull 
a plug wire and hold it close to the block while an assistant cranks the 
engine (make sure he uses something to insulate his hand).  No spark 
means no start (he may have one of the bad rotors).  FWIW, I've put 
about 130K on my P2 BJ8 in all types of weather.

BTW, welcome to the Forum Simon.

Bob


On 12/17/2016 3:50 AM, Simon Lachlan wrote:
>
> Thanks for this. All sound advice is welcome, as ever. However, these 
> two posts slightly ignore the question asked and the realities of the 
> situation.
>
> 1)We want to know BJ8 owners starting procedures and we said that we 
> were content with fuel/ignition issues at this stage.
>
> 2)The car is in an underground car park in Paris and it’s mechanic, me 
> – until my nephew learns a bit more – is in Devon, UK.
>
> 3)I think that the car is setup pretty well and that its failings are 
> down to beginner’s technique AND, very likely, a sticky choke 
> mechanism which isn’t delivering enough of what matters when it matters.
>
> Hence the question was framed the way it was.
>
> I only point this out as we have had so many useful replies and that 
> it would be a shame to go off on sidetracks and cut off the supply of 
> relevant posts.
>
> Simon
>
>

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