Cold engine problem

[gelawrence]

I am new to this forum because my son and I just bought our first Rover in New Zealand and shipped it to Virginia.. a 1961 Series II, with 43,000 original miles. It is in excellent shape overall, and the engine runs great after it has warmed up, but when the engine is cold it runs rough and dies easily unless we keep it revved pretty high.

Is there a forum thread that addresses this problem? I tried searching without luck.

Thanks!

[LaneRover]

With the Rover's I have owned that usually means I should have used the choke but didn't OR I am using the choke too long.

It can be very different with each truck

[albersj51]

I'd check that the timing is right.

[gelawrence]

I should have added that the "cold engine" problem appears as soon as the engine is started, with the choke on. The engine will not start at all unless the choke is on. I have tried playing with the degree of choke, but that does not seem to solve the problem.

I have not checked the timing.

[albersj51]

Because i didn't know ill throw this out there about timing:

Most recommend timing by ear or beer, not via timing light.
make sure the truck is warmed up
disconnect the vacuum advance from the dizzy and plug up the VA tube
Then adjust time until you get a smooth idle (or less ripples in the beer you have sitting on the wing).

[gelawrence]

I like the beer ripple standard for optimum timing. Thanks for your suggestion.

[kevin-ct]

What carburetor do you have?

[NickDawson]

Butch welcome to rover ownership!
Where are you in Virginia? Richmond here

I agree with others, I'd start with the timing and check the points. In fact, for $5 you might just want to order a new set from our hosts and replace and re-gap them.

[Lalo88DK]

Sounds like a carburetter problem.

[73series88]

mmmmmmmm. beer!
runs fine when warm?
maybe clogged main jet?