cold start problem

Sounds like a choke issue.

I have a Holley on the car. I converted it to an electronic choke. I found that the universal Holley choke thermostat opened way to fast for this engine and the car would start immediately but stall within a minute or so.

Through experimentation I found that the choke thermostat used on the last 4v carburetored 84 or 85 Mustang GT with the 302 works really well. It alters the rate at which the choke opens (opens slower) and therefore kept the car from stalling.

You can get them across the counter in a Standard brand and they aren't expensive. About $28 as I recall.

You will need to alter the mount to the carb, "a little" since the collar that holds it to the carb grounds the thermostat directly to the carb, so this isn't a complete simple bolt on, but it isn't difficult.

Other then that, you could try Pantera Electronics Engine Controller, which lets you alter the rate at which YOUR choke opens, provided it is electronic, that is.

Best...Happy New Year to all. See you next year?

quote:

by then choke is fully open

My guess would be that the choke is adjusted too lean. Normally the choke will not be fully off just from trying to start, but will take several minutes of driving.

...Choke My A**!!!

If You Have Spark and You Have Fuel...That Engine should be Fireing Over!! That leaves something 'Mechanical', such as Poor Compression or Bad Timing.

Your plugs are Black, that would indicate to Me, Weak Spark! Perhaps Wrong Plugs or Wrong Gap; Or Both.

You have Fuel, Have You been squirting gas down the Venturies until You Flooded the Carb?

You say, You DO Have spark? Did You check it AT The PLUG? This will indicate Problems in the Rotor and Distributer CAP! What about the Plug Wires?

How Old is the Battery?? Over 4 Years and it may Not Take a Charge or, Most Important; HOLD a Charge and then Deliver Full Amperage ON-DEMAND!
Next Check the Battery Voltage at the + COIL, WHILE Cranking! If it Drops Below 8.8 Volts while Cranking, that's a Problem!
A new Battery may be Your Fix. If You Do go shopping for a Battery, I DO NOT Recommend a 'DRY-Cell'!! Go for the 'Heaviest' Lead-Acid Battery You can afford! The Largest Battery that will Fit, With CCA of, at Least, 800 or More!!

Could Be You have a 'Weak' Coil, Temperature Related! Hardest to find is the 'Intermittent' Fault. Check the Coil for Internal Grounding/Shorts and for Ohms Resistance. Would Not be the First Time, the 'Electronic Modual' has Failed!

When You check for Spark at the Plug, the Spark should be More than just a Arc! It should show up as a 'Blue Flame'!!

Last...STOP Cranking until the Battery is Dead!!
You'll just burn-out the Starter Motor! The Starter gets Hot, The Resistance Goes Up-Exponentially, the Starter DRAWS More Current...Less Current to the Coil! Weak Spark, At Best!!

If the Engine Does Not Fire Right Up! It is Trying to Tell You Something!!
Stop Screwing with the Choke!!! When Cold, the Choke Plate should be OPEN a Gap of 1/8 Inch!! NO More, NO Less!
When warmed the Plate should be Fully Straight-Up!

Now Get To Work!!

And don't let those Monkeys get anywhere near Your Pantera!! NO Belt Buckles, Zippers, or Levies with Copper Rivets!!!...

If your Pantera doesn't start, you are supposed to shoot it.

Dave,
Elvis has left the building

Listen to Marlin he nailed it.

thanks everyone for info. larry gave me the fix. aftermarket dist was wired through the ballast for the coil, not give enough volt. fired right up after rewire. thanks for all the help everyone and happy new yr