Re: Spica Pump and more

["Tony Sims" <simstony@domain.elided>]

Marc writes:
>
> The Spica Pump:  after reviewing all the receipts for the car I see that
the
> TA was replaced 2 years ago.  However, the car seems to take forever to
get
> warmed up and running.  I have to keep the Hand Throttle pulled out for at
> least 10 minutes or it stalls and sputters.  What is the normal time frame
> for warm up?  Is it time for a new pump? After 15 minutes it runs fine,
but
> getting it moving in the interim is a chore.
>

My first instinct would not be to look at the Spica pump as a problem on a
car that takes a while to idle smoothly.  Could be the thermostat is not
doing its job, or the idle air circuit or throttle butterflys are not
properly adjusted, the timing could be off a bit, the cold start solenoid
may not be working correctly, or the new TA might not have been installed
correctly (or could be bad).  I'd expect that even a badly worn Spica pump
could provide enough fuel to support an idling engine, but might not be up
to snuff at higher RPMs.  If the car runs OK once warm, the pump is probably
OK.

Point of reference -- my 74 GTV usually needs a couple starts on a cold day,
then idles high (1500 RPM) for 3 or 4 minutes until a little warm. My hand
throttle cable is not connected, I've never missed it.

Tony
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