engine and drivetrain 40 Dcoe Cold Start Circuit

[Strodaddy]

All you DCOE guys, I have a question. Do I need to use the cold start circuit on my dcoes's or can i use block of plates. I'm about to put some on my 2002 and I would like to know if by not using them, will I have start up problems? Thanks.

[AceAndrew]

It's more of a matter of where you live.  Here in SoCal it's never cold enough to necessitate using the cold-start valve.  If you drive your car in pretty cold weather then it may not be a bad idea.

 

What is awkward on any of the Spanish 40DCOE's made in the last several years is the lever pulls forward so you have to loop the cable from the lever up around the front of the engine and back around to the dash pull.  It can/has been done but it remains awkward and not ideal (ideally if you wanted to keep the cold start you'd find a set of early levers facing the correct way).

[M3M3]

i never used the choke on either the 40's or 45's in my car. not CA wx here in DC, but only driven spring thru fall. started fine without it.

[KFunk]

I started mine with no enrichment at -10F the other day with no real problems.

Edited February 10, 2014 by KFunk

[Hans]

On the other hand, after years of pumping the gas peddle and coaxing the beast into life, I finally installed a longer choke cable to reach around the front of the engine and operate cold start valves. What a difference.

[Harv]

I DD'd my 02 years ago year round and never needed it. At the coldest -15 carb ice was more of a problem. I'd get it to start and idle only till there was some heat under the hood and the carbs themselves to a little warmer then off I'd go.

My 912 doesn't have any provision for cold starting.

John

[Strodaddy]

Thanks for the input. I'll let you know how it goes when I install them.

[nbcbird]

The DCOE originally had cold start levers available in two versions--including one that pulled from the back to accommodate Alfas (these are hard to find but not impossible, as Ace mentioned).  Many linkages (original Solex for example) interfered with the Weber cold start mechanism and were simply blocked off with a plate.  I think Pierce Manifolds sells the plates (a common Weber part).

Edited February 15, 2014 by nbcbird

[tisalover]

I like having the chokes/enrichment on 45 DCOE here in the northeast, probably wouldn't bother if living further south. Peter