[TR] Cold Start Problems

[Scott Suhring]

I have been having recent problems with starting my '70 TR6 when it is cold.
Basically what happens is I pull out the choke and lock it in at 3/4 or full
out, turn on the ignition and pump the gas once or twice. The starter is
spinning and turning the engine, but it just does not want to turn over.
I'll stop after 10-15 seconds. Then try again. It will slowly fire and once
it fires, it settles in nicely. If I drive the car or let it run for a
while, shut it off, it fires up fine.  Even if it sits for a while, it will
still fire up. Here is what I have/done:
- Tested the battery and it is fine
- Replaced the starter last year with a high torque starter
-  I'm running a flame thrower coil and a petronix ignition (have been for
5+ years now with no problems)
- Timing seems to be fine using a light but I usually do not set the timing
with a light
- Plugs have some black soot on the outer collar but tips are golden brown,
which says to me the mixture is good
- Once started, the car runs well, but maybe a bit sluggish and once in a
blue moon will miss when accelerating from a stop

Any thoughts or directions to point me in would be greatly appreciated.  TIA

Scott Suhring
Mechanicsburg, PA
'70 TR6
'59 TR3