Advice on early morning starting please...

[Nick Banwell]

I have just taken delivery of a lovely Renault 4gtl (1986).

She drives really well but starting is a bit of a problem. Maybe it is just me getting used to a car with a choke after many years of 'modern' cars, but I can't seem to get the hang of it at the moment.

Are there any tips or R4 secrets that can be shared?

 

[Steve Hennessey]

No secrets with these. From cold, pull the choke knob fully out and turn the starter - it should fire up immediately. From hot, don't use the choke but press the accelerator slightly. If the car was hot but has been left for an hour or more then use a tiny amount of choke.
If none of the above make any difference then it sounds the car needs a good checkover and service.

 

[r4 gtl]

Please check to see if the choke-valve closes (almost) completely with the knob fully pulled. To see this you have to remove the cover of the airbox.

 

[Nick Banwell]

Thanks for the advice
Much appreciated