I've turned my attention back to my 1979 Mini 1000 after a prolonged absence. The car has not be started or driven in 10 months and now that I'm ready to get it back on the road, it refuses to start. Details:
- The car has been stored indoors in a temperature controlled environment. Prior to putting it in storage, it ran just fine and had no noticeable starting issues.
- Battery is fresh although I did run it down to 50% charge trying to start the car. My trickle charger took care of that issue and brought the battery up to full strength and the engine cranks just fine.
- After having no success getting it to fire, I pulled off the air cleaner assembly and gave it a few shots of starter fluid.
- The engine will sputter and attempt to run but dies out as it runs out of starter fluid (I'm assuming)
- I've tried every position of the choke, starting with it positioned just 1/4 pulled out, but no success.
- Yes, there is fuel in the tank and I know that the fuel pump is working as evidenced by a massive fuel leak I had to address near the fuel filter (cracked rubber). by the way - the fuel filter is new.
- Ambient temperature is 15º C
At this point I'm frustrated and looking for some help. Clearly the car is getting spark because it does attempt to run on the starter fluid which leads me to believe that the carb may need a good cleaning to remove any deposits it may have developed after sitting for nearly a year.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It's fall in these western North Carolina mountains and its a perfect time of year to take the Mini out for a colorful jaunt.
Thanks in advance.
