Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Inconsistent Starting Issue

I have an inconsistent starting problem with my M3W. When cold, starts ok, usually after the second or third hit of the starter button.
But after driving normally for more than 20 minutes, if I stop and turn the car off, It struggles to start again easily & in some cases taking 10 attempts.

The problem started when I changed over the old fuel pump for a new Walbro fuel pump and I'm wondering if there is anything obvious that I'm missing. My initial thoughts are that the engine is running rich, hence the problem of starting after a run. To be clear, it always starts and I've never been stranded but it is annoying, being inconsistent is the issue. My main concern is stalling it pulling out of a junction, I'd struggle to start quickly.

I have a good local mechanic who is keen to solve the problem so any pointers I can supply him through this wonderful forum would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

After replacing the fuel pump did you put Protune 2 on the ECU and clear the adaptive maps? The original pump may well have been operating at less than a regulated 58 psi for some time and the adaptive maps will....adapt. With the new pump you should be operating at a steady regulated 58 psi (check this at the Schrader test point on the RH injector body) but the adaptive maps will be still working for a lower delivery pressure maybe? It's a good idea to "zero" the ECU after the fuel pump change anyway.

As the problem has only started since the fuel pump change, it is logical to think it is related to that but it will still be sensible to check all the other things like plugs and leads, you never can tell with a M3W. I assume you don't touch the throttle pedal when cranking? It's a bad idea as the ECU zeros the throttle position every time the ignition is turned on and gets a false figure if you touch it.

Thanks Planenut

I have double checked all the leads & I never touch the throttle when starting as I know that it Zero's the ECU.

This is great advise and if you expand on how I zero the ECU, that would be helpful

Very much appreciated

I believe they are reset if you disconnect the battery for a few minutes. It is an easy experiment to try.

As JohnMat says, disconnect the battery for half an hour or so and it should clear the ECU. The best way to be sure the adaptive maps are cleared is is to download Protune 2 from the S&S website https://www.sscycle.com/racing/support , make sure you download Protune 2, not Easimap. You will need a Windows laptop for this and a Mobile phone type lead to connect to the ECU, the socket is under the small plate with two Allen screws. With a locked ECU there is very little chance of you doing anything critical. There is a "Reset Adaptive Maps" selection in the Options menu. You can also read the fault codes, that may give an indication of any other issues. A full set of Protune 2 instructions are on the S&S website.

Very much appreciated & understood planenut
Thank you

John, thank you for the advice - appreciated

Seems to of worked
Will test drive today - Thanks again
Craig

Take the last reply back.

The issue remains the same. I will Download Protune 2 and clear the maps next
Thanks

It might be worth trying the S&S 106-0744 Crank Position Sensor, not a cheap part but has been known to degrade and cause this type of inconsistent error.