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Why is it Hard to Start Gas Engines in
Winter?
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For a gasoline engine to start when it
is cold, the carburetor must give the engine more fuel than normally
needed to run when all warmed up. This extra fuel is provided by
the choke.
Some engines have a choke knob or lever that
you operate. some are automatic. Either way, the problem
is
that mopeds are designed to operate in the warm weather, and use the
smallest amount of fuel possible. (for good MPG)
For an engine to start in the winter, like a
snowblower or snowmobile for example, the choke must add a significant
amount
of extra fuel, and the regular running circuit must also use more fuel.
This
is because the cold air is denser than warm air, and to get the proper
ratio
of air to fuel more fuel is needed. (Cold- rich fuel mix
warm- lean fuel mix)
So.... to make a moped start and run
well in colder weather, you need to adjust the carburetor to make it
richer.
Most mopeds do not allow this type of adjustment, as it affects
the
amount of pollutants expelled. If the carburetor is adjusted
by
changing settings or jet size, then the moped will run poorly in the
warmer
weather unless changed back again.
Another problem is the quality of fuel now sold at the
gas pumps. Gasoline quality has noticeably declined over
the last several years, and this is greatly affecting the ability to
start in colder weather. The poor fuel also gums up the holes
inside the carburetor, making them smaller, so even less fuel gets to
the engine.
We end up with a carburetor that is not giving enough
fuel, fuel that does not burn well, poor quality fuel that plugs
the carburetor, and automatic chokes that do not choke enough.
This is a concern for all mopeds, the better quality ones
handling the problem better than cheap ones.
How can we get around this? Buy
regular gas at a high volume gas station so you are getting fresh fuel,
that helps. Not many people are using premium, so it seems to be
rotting in the tank at the gas station. Make sure your
carburetor is clean
inside, and the air filter is all attached. Know
how
to operate your machine. Most choke units will not operate if you turn
the
throttle on the moped. So when you are trying to start it cold,
do
not turn the throttle unless the engine starts to run. |
Scooter Therapy Inc
12 North Few
Street | Madison,
WI
53703
toll
free
1-800-411-1543
| local
1-608-255-1520
fax
1-608-255-1587 | E-mail
|
Scooter Therapy
Inc
12 N. Few
St
Madison, WI
53703
toll
free 1-800-411-1543
local
1-608-255-1520
fax
1-608-255-1587
E-mail
Hours: M-F,
9-6 Saturday, 10-3 CST
VISA,
MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN
EXPRESS & PAYPAL accepted
*Prices
listed DO NOT include shipping and
handling fees.
Most shipping is by priority mail.
copyright
(c)
2000
Scooter Therapy
inc.
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