Pa-28-180C Starting problems
Hello everyone, I’m having a bit of a starting problem on my 1965 Cherokee 180c. We have replaced the master and starting solenoids. It’s got a new battery that’s only about 2 months old. We also just replaced the aluminum wires with new copper ones. After all that, the plane still takes about 4 tries to start. I’m not sure what to do now. If anyone has any suggestions or insight of what the problem might be, I’m all hears. Thank you
Comments
See the same thread at the top of the forum. Carl
49 yrs A/P IA DAL A/C inspector. 172N Rotax IRMT 912/914
Grey-Cole,
Engines need air, fuel, spark, and compression to run.
I presume with all the new parts, the engine is turning over nicely, and the compression checks at your last annual were satisfactory.
Fuel: You mentioned it takes 4 tries to start. How much primer are you giving it? When cold, my engine needs at least (4) shots, sometimes more, even in the summer. Electric pump on, mixture rich, prime x4, throttle idle (not cracked), and crank. Experiment with different amounts of prime. It's possible that your engine wants more or less primer than you're giving it. Every engine is different. The primer nozzles and lines should be checked to ensure they are not plugged and flow freely. The primer pump itself should be checked to confirm it's providing the proper volume of fuel to the primer nozzles.
Spark: If all the above checks out, your mags may be weak or need to be timed. Check the plugs and wires while you're in there.
Air: Ensure the air filter is not plugged up and that all the tubes to the carb are fully open and not collapsed.
You didn't mention rough running, coughing, etc., so I'm presuming the ignition system is working well and the engine has good fuel pressure when running on the mechanical pump alone.
On the surface, it sounds to me like a fuel or primer problem because it's taking 4 attempts to start. At that point, fuel is finally getting up to the engine.
Jim "Doc Griff" Griffin
PA28 - 161
Chicago area