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tri356
Samba Member
Joined: December 28, 2005
Posts: 333
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 Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 5:21 pm Post subject: Hard starting question |
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Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but I figured I'd begin here. I have two air-cooled cars - a 59 356A coupe and a 62 Ghia cab. Both have 6 volt Optima batteries, both running 356SC engines, with Dellorto carbs. I don't drive the cars incredibly often, but, invariably, the Ghia is *always* a lot harder to start. Let's say it takes me 6-7 turns of the key with some gas pumping to start the Porsche after a long layoff. It will take me 18-20 such turns on the Ghia. I do have an electric clock on the Ghia, so I understand that there's a little draw. But, the cranking is pretty strong on the Ghia, so I'm thinking that's not part of the problem. We've been through the fuel filters before and they look ok.
Does anyone have an idea on could be causing the issue?
Thanks
Mike |
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mcdragracer
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2007
Posts: 753
Location: Cally
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 11:01 pm Post subject: Re: Hard starting question |
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Really could be one of many things, you mentioned it's cranking over good, so we're going to assume that your voltage is good, but doesn't hurt to check, the things that I would recommend to check is you mentioned that you don't drive them often so make sure that you have fairly fresh gas, after 6 or 8 months of the same gas that fuel tank starts turning bad and will not burn properly, make sure that your valves are tested and you have proper cranking compression and also make sure that your plugs are not fouled or black, check your ignition timing, if all that is good the problem might lie somewhere in the carburetors.
But also make sure you have adequate fuel flow and pressure.
Last edited by mcdragracer on Fri May 23, 2025 7:29 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Jacks
Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2006
Posts: 2431
Location: San Clemente, Ca.
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| Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 12:58 am Post subject: Re: Hard starting question |
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The fuel tank on that 356 is higher than the one on the Ghia.
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Jack Staggs
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wagen19
Samba Member
Joined: November 16, 2007
Posts: 570
Location: germany
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| Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 2:41 am Post subject: Re: Hard starting question |
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| tri356 wrote: |
Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but I figured I'd begin here. I have two air-cooled cars - a 59 356A coupe and a 62 Ghia cab. Both have 6 volt Optima batteries, both running 356SC engines, with Dellorto carbs. I don't drive the cars incredibly often, but, invariably, the Ghia is *always* a lot harder to start. Let's say it takes me 6-7 turns of the key with some gas pumping to start the Porsche after a long layoff. It will take me 18-20 such turns on the Ghia. I do have an electric clock on the Ghia, so I understand that there's a little draw. But, the cranking is pretty strong on the Ghia, so I'm thinking that's not part of the problem. We've been through the fuel filters before and they look ok.
Does anyone have an idea on could be causing the issue?
Thanks
Mike |
If original, 62 Karmann Ghia type 141 has 6 mm fuel line from inside tank to fuel pump.
356 has 8 mm and higher tank, as already mentioned. > better fuel flow to pump.
Maybe the Ghia has a rather weak fuel pump or some fuel flow reducing filters or pressure regulators added too.
You can disconnect inlet fuel line on pump and check, (compare) the fuel flow. If the same, it´s rather a pump issue. (if the rest of all other engine parts and condition is the same)
(imo, the Ghia with SC engine is most probably a very nice combination, which trans and brakes used?) |
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tri356
Samba Member
Joined: December 28, 2005
Posts: 333
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| Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 1:50 pm Post subject: Re: Hard starting question |
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Thanks very much for the responses.
Well, there's not much I can do about tank placement. Maybe put in a larger diameter tube? electric primer pump? I'll give some thought to this.
Mike
PS. Yeah, the car has B brakes, and a 356 steering box. Still doesn't drive as nice as the 356  . But, I like its style. So this all works for me. |
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RolandD
Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2017
Posts: 278
Location: Menomonee Falls, Wis
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| Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 2:35 pm Post subject: Re: Hard starting question |
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How about a test? Spray a little ether on the air filters. If it fires right away, you know it is a fuel issue.
Roland |
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wagen19
Samba Member
Joined: November 16, 2007
Posts: 570
Location: germany
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| Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: Hard starting question |
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| tri356 wrote: |
Thanks very much for the responses.
Well, there's not much I can do about tank placement. Maybe put in a larger diameter tube? electric primer pump? I'll give some thought to this.
Mike
PS. Yeah, the car has B brakes, and a 356 steering box. Still doesn't drive as nice as the 356 . But, I like its style. So this all works for me. |
Congrats to your Ghia SC!
It´s possible to replace the 6 mm fuel outlet in fuel tank by a 8 mm version from VW type 3, 1600 E (311 298 221 A) or
https://www.csp-shop.de/auspuff-heizung/tankanschl...drUHZDblE.
Further on evtl. with a inside 7,5 mm hose or 8 mm outside hard line to the rear.
A electric fuel pump also can help, maybe the stock pump eliminated or made "go through". A backflow valve is needed then. |
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