22 replies to this topic

[TheYoungestGary]

Hi all,

 

I am new to this forum so would be very grateful for any advice given!

 

Last month I bought a 1994 classic mini spi sprite, that has had a 1275 metro carb engine swapped into it. I have been driving it and all has been well, but start ups from cold/left for a couple days have taken absolutely ages. As in, i have had to mess around with the choke and accelerator pedal for about 5 minutes just to get it started. Once started, all is fine and car is responsive for the rest of the day. 

 

I noticed the pump (which is electric and mounted in the engine bay) was getting very loud and continuously made a quick knocking sound that continued even when driving. I decided to get an exact replacement and fit the new pump, as well as a new fuel filter. The new pump is quieter, but is still consistently pumping fuel and doesn't stop. Also, the car now will not start at all now. I have checked the fuel hoses and there is a definitely fuel getting to the carb - i put the hose into a container while trying to turn the engine over and a lot of fuel was getting pushed through.

 

I have checked the spark plugs, and they are bone dry, so I don't think the engine is flooded.

 

I also checked the battery and it has charge.

 

I am not sure where to go from here so would be really grateful if someone could point me in the right direction. I presume the carb is blocked somehow? I have never had a carb engine before so am unsure what to look for.

 

The carb is a HIF44, I believe from comparing to other ones online.

 

Many thanks,

 

theyoungestgary

 

 

 

[Rubbershorts]

Someone that can help you is going to maybe ask for pictures of your engine bay/carb set up. Pre-empting the request means they'll be able to answer your question quicker. I.E. Stick a picture up on here of under the bonnet mate

[TheYoungestGary]

sorry mate, I was just trying to work out how to upload a pic on this site! haha

[TheYoungestGary]

https://flic.kr/p/2sbJUYB

 

https://flic.kr/p/2sbRxWk

 

 

Hopefully this is okay? I am not sure how to inbed images in comments on here

[TheYoungestGary]

some more pics:

 

engine bay and fuel filter/pump

 

 

https://flic.kr/p/2sbPw3a

 

https://flic.kr/p/2sbJX5k

 

https://flic.kr/p/2sbQfwA

[Quinlan minor]

Your choke cable is far too loose and will not operate the choke/enrichment as it is.

A replacement choke cable and correct adjustment should resolve your problem.

 

 

Attached Files

•  Choke.jpg   71.91K   2 downloads

Edited by Quinlan minor, 08 May 2026 - 08:40 AM.

[TheYoungestGary]

Your choke cable is far too loose and will not operate the choke/enrichment as it is.

A replacement choke cable and correct adjustment should resolve your problem.

Thanks, Quinlan. I did think it was a bit odd. There is a couple things on the engine that seem abit bodged so makes sense that it wouldn't be set up correctly!

 

Although, if it was able to pull the choke on the carb more, would that resolve it? When i took the hose pipe off the carb and turned the engine over, loads of fuel was being pushed through so would have thought that would be going into the carb? Sory for my ignorance, I am not used to carbs at all (but want to learn!)

[TheYoungestGary]

or is it the case that if the cable is too slack, the carb isnt able to get enough of the fuel into itself to kick start the engine

Edited by TheYoungestGary, 08 May 2026 - 08:55 AM.

[Rubbershorts]

What's been pumped in is being metered by the carb. If you fix the choke the carb will let more through when you apply it.

[TheYoungestGary]

What's been pumped in is being metered by the carb. If you fix the choke the carb will let more through when you apply it.

 

Makes sense! I will have a look once home later

[TheYoungestGary]

I guess that would explain why its been so hard to get it started from cold or when its been left for a day or two. although does seem odd that its worse after fitting a new pump? or its just coincidental 

[Rubbershorts]

Maybe it's been gradually working it's way loose (coincidental), or you've accidently pulled on the cable fitting the pump (something I'd definitely do).

 

Daz.

Edited by Rubbershorts, 08 May 2026 - 09:11 AM.

[TheYoungestGary]

Maybe it's been gradually working it's way loose (coincidental), or you've accidently pulled on the cable fitting the pump (something I'd definitely do).

 

Daz.

 

Possibly mate! I may have moved it out of the way which could explain the random non starting problem now.... defo worth me investigating first!

[Quinlan minor]

 Although, if it was able to pull the choke on the carb more, would that resolve it? 

 

The choke is operated by the quadrant on the end of the cable (moves in the direction indicated by the circular arrow, above).

If you pull out the choke knob in the car, you will see that the quadrant doesn't move.

If you get a helper to turn the quadrant, in the direction indicated, the car will start easily from cold.

 

The fuel pump was, almost certainly, a case of throwing the parts bin at the car, rather than identifying the actual problem.

 

There is a lot of experience on this Forum.

Better to ask, and learn, than throw money at a problem.

[TheYoungestGary]

 

 Although, if it was able to pull the choke on the carb more, would that resolve it? 

 

The choke is operated by the quadrant on the end of the cable (moves in the direction indicated by the circular arrow, above).

If you pull out the choke knob in the car, you will see that the quadrant doesn't move.

If you get a helper to turn the quadrant, in the direction indicated, the car will start easily from cold.

 

The fuel pump was, almost certainly, a case of throwing the parts bin at the car, rather than identifying the actual problem.

 

There is a lot of experience on this Forum.

Better to ask, and learn, than throw money at a problem.

 

 

Yeah, that's completely fair mate. I am really hoping that is the case as its a more straight forward fix I guess. I was first thinking the carb was buggered which would be much much more expensive. I will have a look tomo when I get some time and hopefully that is it! I appreciate the comments everyone!