Tom. Thanks for sharing the detail of Abarth's system on the 695ss as I had no idea what was used when the conversions were carried out but your info certainly shows the mechanical pump as being man enough for the task. My only experience of these type of carbs was on an Alfa engine fitted with twin twins which needed very careful use of the throttle pedal for any chance of a quick start, especially when cold, and for the first few minutes running when it would cough and backfire, spitting very impressive flames from the trumpets!

Like you, I'm sure it's a question of Pete learning the number, and timing, of slow throttle depressions that will greatly improve his car starting.

Hi everyone. This has turned in to a very interesting thread, thanks for your input.

I tried three slow depressions of the accelerator pedal prior to pulling the lever yesterday and it started in the first pull!

I've tried the same tactic twice since and it's almost started first time, and comfortably started in the second time of asking. So, I think it's a case of just priming the carb!

Told yer so guv!---see you next Sunday.

Brilliant - glad it's sorted for you

Another factor that no one has mentioned is that Fiat cars have personalities.

Just like the 7 Dwarfs (am I allowed to say this nowadays?....) some are Happy and always eager to please.

Some are Grumpy and grumble and complain all the time, no matter what you do for them or buy them.

Some are like Sleepy and don't like to be woken up, especially when it's cold.

Some are like Bashful and don't like appearing in public at all.

Some are like Doc and seem to fix problems themselves when they're driven for a while.

I think Peter's car (fiat500- Patinated Peter) might be Sneezy because of how it starts in cold weather...

Has anyone got a Dopey car?

Al.

F123C said:

Just like the 7 Dwarfs

Click to expand...

and quite a few are like Snow White, waiting for their prince to awaken them, (although not many of them are quite so perfect and pretty!)

PS. Most Fiat 500s turn their owners into Cinderella....forcing them to slave over them all of the time, leaving the owner tired and grubby and never taking them to The Ball.