Stumbles on start up

[aero3113]

When I start the 218 it stumbles and I have to give it a little gas to keep it running.Once it is warmed up it runs and idles great.Where do I start?

[Normspeed]

Maybe the choke setting. These old motors, not being fuel injected or computerized, do tend to be a little sluggish when started from cold, so a little stumbling may not be an indication of something wrong. It's good to warm them up for a few minutes before hitting the road.

[aero3113]

How is the choke adjusted? On start up should the choke be fully closed?

[Normspeed]

I'll leave the manual choke instructions to the real P15-D24 folks, I snuck into the forum with a P24 that has an auto choke:D

The auto choke snaps fully closed when the starter is in use, then opens partially once the motor starts, and gradually opens the rest of the way as the motor warms up.

[greg g]

The manual states that on cold start up pull the choke all the way out, push the pedal t othe floor once to set the fast idle cam on the carburetor. While holding the pedal 1/3 or 1/2 way to the floor crank engage the starter till the engine starts. If it does not start, pump the pedal once or twice, and retry.

When the engine startes, push the choke in till an even fast idle is achieved. As the engine warms to operating temp, gradually open the choke as needed to assure even running. after the choke is about half way opened a quick push to the floor and release of the gas pedal will kick off the fast idle.

[aero3113]

I have an automatic choke.

[greg g]

Check its operation. It should close when cold, but when the engine starte it should open slightly, then pull all the way open was the car warms up. If it doesn't open that slight bit upon start up that could be causing your problem.

What condition is your heat riser on the exhaust manifold in??

[billwillard]

Tighten your choke just a little. Push TO floor and release pedal. should start and run. May also have to adj choke idle.

[Normspeed]

There's a good description of the auto choke adjustment procedure in the P15-P25 service manual. If you don't have it I might be able to email you a scan. Adjustment is really simple, easier to perform that to describe.

[aero3113]

I finally got around to playing with the choke yesterday.The reason for the stumbles is indeed the choke, when it starts the choke was not fully closing so I closed it by hand and the car runs smooth when cold.I tried to adjust it but did not seem to help.I will try to play around with it some more today.