Hard starting when cold?

[Tugmaster]

My bug is really hard to start in the mornings when it’s dead cold. It cranks and cranks before it finally starts. Once it does it kind of struggles and stumbles for a bit before it starts to run smoothly. The choke does function properly and it has had a recent complete tune up and valve adjustment. Once it is warmed up it pops right off without any issues. Any thoughts or ideas? Or is this just the nature of the beast? Thanks, Todd

[KTPhil]

We need a lot more info to answer...
- is this a stock motor?
- when did this problem start?
- what carb are you running?
- what distributor are you running?
Your symptoms are not normal for a properly set up, properly adjusted motor.

[andk5591]

Choke functioning and properly adjusted are 2 different things. As mentioned, details are needed.
_________________
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Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
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There's more, but not keeping them...

[Tugmaster]

Stock single port motor, Bocar 30pict 1 carb. 205T distributor. It’s worse in colder weather it seems. What it the proper way to set up my choke?
Thanks, Todd

[sjbartnik]

It should light right off when cold if you set the choke properly - I find they often start quicker cold than hot.

It's possible that your choke may need to be adjusted but of course there are lots of possibilities.

Are you setting the choke properly before starting? For a cold start you need to push the gas pedal down fully to the floor then let off it entirely BEFORE turning the key to start. That action allows the choke to set itself. Then you should not touch the gas pedal when cranking.
_________________
1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650

[KTPhil]

Try this for starters:
http://www.vw-resource.com/choke2.html

Depending on how fast your choke opens, you may need to tweak it a little one way or another over the course of few days. I found I had to adjust it one way for winter, another for summer.

[Tugmaster]

Thanks for the info. I’ll try to tweak my choke per the article you linked.
Also, I guess I’ve been starting my car wrong. I’ll try the method described and see how it goes. Todd