Why so hard to get Started? M38

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 9:22 am

My M38 1952 fully restored runs like a top when i get it running but the initial warm up from cold takes several minutes. My current procedure is I pull choke out all the way and throttle 1 inch then engage starter.. It will crank up nicely but i have to take choke off and flutter the throttle for mintues to keep it cranked. If i put it in gear it will stall. is this the nature of the beast or other problems? thanks

Post by **wesk** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:08 am

Several things can cause your symptoms.

1-Heat riser mechanism in plenum below carb not warming plenum.
2-Not having the correct thick carb base gasket which not only insulates the carb from manifold heat but has a metal "V" device or defuser that assist with atomization of the gas at low RPMs.
3-Bypass hose for water pump missing.
4-Thermostat stuck open or missing.

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 11:22 am

Thanks Wesk! check in that order or doesnt matter?

3. Definitely have that . mark that off

will try the others

Post by **wesk** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 12:26 pm

I listed them by order of level of difficulty. Easiest first is always a good choice.

This is the heat riser:

They came in two different arrangements on the spring.

This is the correct carb base gasket:

joebuck · Post by **joebuck** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 12:29 pm

thanks so much with all your help!....

tob · Post by **tob** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:35 am

Wes is that insulator available anywhere???

Post by **wesk** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:46 am

I got mine from a surplus dealer a year or so ago. Picked up a few so I wouldn't come up short when I needed one in a hurry. Try the dealers and search with the part number I posted.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0 ... tor&_frs=1