Rich4 · May 21, 2023

Hi all

Bought a Series 3 petrol about 4 months ago. First time owner Land Rover so not yet used to what’s normal or an issue, and I’ve never owned car with a choke.

Looking for advice about starting up. Every time, regardless of weather, it takes a few goes before it starts. I’m not sure if I should be pulling out the choke and throttle leaver, or just choke or just throttle. Either way I only seem to get it going by using giving it some revs with throttle leaver open. Once it’s kicks in I’m getting a really strong smell of petrol, and it stalls unless I keep the leaver open after 10-15 min drive. She’s drives perfect it’s just starting which is an ‘issue’. I always manage to get it started but there’s been a few moments where I thought I’d be stuck. A couple of times it’s just made a whizzing noise like it’s not catching at all.

Not sure if I’m doing something wrong (likely) or need to do some checks, or should be starting using a better combination or choke, revs etc. the weather is dry and warm today so would’ve expected it to start without any intervention. I know series 3 have a good rep for starting ok.

Hoping all makes enough senses.

lynall · May 21, 2023

Full choke, crank it and tweek the throttle, when she catches back off the choke just enough so it will idle.
Every car is different.

i would say new plugs/leads/points/capacitor etc will also help a lot, maybe research elec ignition set up.

saxavordian · May 21, 2023

Depends on age and how much abuse the engine had over the years.
First being petrol remove one sparkplug with douse of WD-40 to release first.
Next check the plug condition for oily heavy carbon or cleanish.
If oily or carbon build up give a good wire brush scrub till shiny. Then with a flat measure if the gap is okay to the manual.
All okay then return and follow suit with the rest for checking and cleaning.
If still have an issue check when the service has been done.
Air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Still not working great then the carburettor needs a clean for idle and normal flow of build up.
Still not working great then power leads distributor cap rotar arm need clean or buy a new set cheaper in the long run.
Still not working great check for earth points for poor or fraud oily condition and replace fresh one.
Pending on age the HT coil pack to the distributor cap could be failing too so replace fresh one.
Battery when was this replaced and the alternator as they can play up not giving right voltage.
Smelling petrol from the front could be fueline leak or air seep.
Likewise at the line to and from the tank can wear.
Hope you find something that works here.

Rich4 · May 21, 2023

lynall said:
Full choke, crank it and tweek the throttle, when she catches back off the choke just enough so it will idle.
Every car is different.

i would say new plugs/leads/points/capacitor etc will also help a lot, maybe research elec ignition set up.

Thanks a lot will give it a go.

Rich4 · May 21, 2023

saxavordian said:
Depends on age and how much abuse the engine had over the years.
First being petrol remove one sparkplug with douse of WD-40 to release first.
Next check the plug condition for oily heavy carbon or cleanish.
If oily or carbon build up give a good wire brush scrub till shiny. Then with a flat measure if the gap is okay to the manual.
All okay then return and follow suit with the rest for checking and cleaning.
If still have an issue check when the service has been done.
Air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Still not working great then the carburettor needs a clean for idle and normal flow of build up.
Still not working great then power leads distributor cap rotar arm need clean or buy a new set cheaper in the long run.
Still not working great check for earth points for poor or fraud oily condition and replace fresh one.
Pending on age the HT coil pack to the distributor cap could be failing too so replace fresh one.
Battery when was this replaced and the alternator as they can play up not giving right voltage.
Smelling petrol from the front could be fueline leak or air seep.
Likewise at the line to and from the tank can wear.
Hope you find something that works here.
View attachment 288718

Thank you. It’s 1973 with 87,000 (apparently

The distributor looks to be new and was recently serviced I was told, however some really helpful things I can check. I’ve tried a few combinations but for the most part the chokes doesn’t seem to do anything it’s only with loads of throttle it gets going which I guess is why I’m getting loads of fumes out the exhausts once’s it starts as flooding the engine?

Also it’s a rag top and very strong petrol smell when driving, is that expected?

Dopey · May 21, 2023

I don't have a 73 but if it's got points check them give them a clean, use a bit of wet and dry to clean the points, and check the gap

lynall · May 21, 2023

Rich4 said:
Thank you. It’s 1973 with 87,000 (apparently The distributor looks to be new and was recently serviced I was told, however some really helpful things I can check. I’ve tried a few combinations but for the most part the chokes doesn’t seem to do anything it’s only with loads of throttle it gets going which I guess is why I’m getting loads of fumes out the exhausts once’s it starts as flooding the engine?

Also it’s a rag top and very strong petrol smell when driving, is that expected?

Is the choke connected to the carb?

steve2286w · May 21, 2023

kermit_rr · May 21, 2023

If the distributor is new, was it timed out just shoved on?

boguing · May 21, 2023

kermit_rr said:
If the distributor is new, was it timed out just shoved on?

Yes, sounds to me as if it's a bit retarded, but points gap, timing and carb adjustment might all want a good looking at.

kermit_rr · May 21, 2023

boguing said:
Yes, sounds to me as if it's a bit retarded, but points gap, timing and carb adjustment might all want a good looking at.

Including if it's been timed for 4 star, as per the book

CohPC · May 21, 2023

Rich4 said:
Thank you. It’s 1973 with 87,000 (apparently The distributor looks to be new and was recently serviced I was told, however some really helpful things I can check. I’ve tried a few combinations but for the most part the chokes doesn’t seem to do anything it’s only with loads of throttle it gets going which I guess is why I’m getting loads of fumes out the exhausts once’s it starts as flooding the engine?

Also it’s a rag top and very strong petrol smell when driving, is that expected?

Check the breather ppipe, filler pipe and the gaskets on the fuel pipe and sender , they're right under your seat so fumes probably coming from there

Turboman · May 21, 2023

Rich4 said:
Hi all

Bought a Series 3 petrol about 4 months ago. First time owner Land Rover so not yet used to what’s normal or an issue, and I’ve never owned car with a choke.

Looking for advice about starting up. Every time, regardless of weather, it takes a few goes before it starts. I’m not sure if I should be pulling out the choke and throttle leaver, or just choke or just throttle. Either way I only seem to get it going by using giving it some revs with throttle leaver open. Once it’s kicks in I’m getting a really strong smell of petrol, and it stalls unless I keep the leaver open after 10-15 min drive. She’s drives perfect it’s just starting which is an ‘issue’. I always manage to get it started but there’s been a few moments where I thought I’d be stuck. A couple of times it’s just made a whizzing noise like it’s not catching at all.

Not sure if I’m doing something wrong (likely) or need to do some checks, or should be starting using a better combination or choke, revs etc. the weather is dry and warm today so would’ve expected it to start without any intervention. I know series 3 have a good rep for starting ok.

Hoping all makes enough senses.

Petrol Series often take a few goes to start up, sometimes because the petrol in the float bowl has evaporated overnight.

As stated ^^^^^^^^, each vehicle has it's own start up technique, and that will vary depending on the temperature.

When I have got it started, I leave the choke on for about a minute, then drive off, once moving, I push the choke all the way in, but if I have to stop within the first few miles, I pull it out again. Because the engine may not idle until fully hot.
You will have to fine tune that to your own vehicle and driving style.

Also said above^^^^^, check the hoses coming out of the fuel tank, and the metal pick up pipe that goes into the top of the tank.
If that all appears to be in order, it may be that the smell is normal, the tank is unbaffled, and has open breather, so you often get a whiff of petrol.

Colthebrummie · May 26, 2023

Mine always needs the choke pulled fully out unless the engine is already warm. I push it back in small increments, usually all the way in after a few minutes. I also pump the throttle pedal a couple of times before starting and then feather it when it fires up. I dont get a petrol smell in the cab. I replaced my dizzy with an electronic one and glad I did

Col

TS2304 · May 26, 2023

Colthebrummie said:
Mine always needs the choke pulled fully out unless the engine is already warm. I push it back in small increments, usually all the way in after a few minutes. I also pump the throttle pedal a couple of times before starting and then feather it when it fires up. I dont get a petrol smell in the cab. I replaced my dizzy with an electronic one and glad I did

Col

+1 on this. Exactly same for me on my 2.25 petrol 109 in every respect.

CohPC · May 27, 2023

TS2304 said:
+1 on this. Exactly same for me on my 2.25 petrol 109 in every respect.

Mine starts first time no choke, only needs choke when it's very cold , 2.25 petrol no electronic ignition. I know this isn't helping anyone solve starting issues, just wanted to boast about it

TS2304 · May 27, 2023

CohPC said:
Mine starts first time no choke, only needs choke when it's very cold , 2.25 petrol no electronic ignition. I know this isn't helping anyone solve starting issues, just wanted to boast about it

Colthebrummie · May 29, 2023

CohPC said:
Mine starts first time no choke, only needs choke when it's very cold , 2.25 petrol no electronic ignition. I know this isn't helping anyone solve starting issues, just wanted to boast about it

If it doesnt normally need any choke, the mixture.might be running too rich.

Col

CohPC · May 31, 2023

Colthebrummie said:
If it doesnt normally need any choke, the mixture.might be running too rich.

Col

i will admit it takes a couple of minutes for it to settle down and run smooth

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