Rough start

**michael a** · 11-20-2007, 05:43 PM

I have a 95 mitsubishi minicab and the last few days when i start it up it runs rough for less than a minute and then smoothes out, can also smell gas while its running rough but when it smoothes out the smell goes away. Has anyone had this problem and if so what did you do to fix it? Thanks michael a

**pepci** · 11-25-2007, 11:18 AM

I would say throw a new set of plugs in it and see what it does then. pepci

**michael a** · 11-25-2007, 03:40 PM

Thanks pepci will give it a try

**Tuz222** · 11-25-2007, 04:42 PM

hey mine was doing the same, today i just put a knew gas filter and air filter and a knew gas pump because it gets plugged and it runs like a champ

**michael a** · 11-25-2007, 08:25 PM

Tuz, you replaced the fuel pump also? where did you get one?

**Tuz222** · 11-25-2007, 08:55 PM

chads mini trucks or just go to autozone and make one work

**michael a** · 11-25-2007, 09:46 PM

Thanks Tuz

**TetsuKuma** · 11-26-2007, 03:12 PM

You may also want to check out the choke linkage, choke plate and the hoses that feed it coolant. Coolant activated choke but after starting with the initial closure it automatically flips open a bit and then the fast idle is controlled by the coolant temp. As I remember the stock position is closed but with a minimum of 3mm space away from the carb throat. I opened mine up using the adjustment screw that is located on the truck bed side of the carb and access is through the access plate in the truck bed. A real bunch of "yoga" moves are required. Turning said adjustment screw clockwise opens the choke plate, counter clockwise closes it.
You can measure it by pulling the air cleaner snorkel off and looking into the carb.

**michael a** · 11-26-2007, 04:15 PM

Thanks Tet, sounds like fun i just cant figure out why it runs rough some times and others you crank it and it runs fine. i thought it might be the cool damp weather we have been having but i cranked it 2 days ago cold and raining and it ran fine. Thanks for the info michael

**Mack90** · 11-01-2009, 06:02 AM

I would really like more info on trouble shooting / converting the choke to manual. I have a Minicab that runs rough when cold, but runs like a champ when it is warmed up. Black smoke when it is cold too. Choke problem?

**OldMachinist** · 11-01-2009, 07:30 AM

On all carbureator engines with automatic chokes the first place to look is the vacuum choke pull off. It pulls the choke open some as soon as the engine starts and then there will be a thermo device to open it the rest of the way as the engine warms up. Since you say it's runs good after it's warm the thermo device is working. The vacuum choke pull off will have a diaphram housing and a vacuum line, using a vacuum tester, you connect the tester to the vacuum line and pull a vacuum on it. If its bad it won't hold any vacuum. On my Honda it looks like this.

**Mack90** · 11-01-2009, 07:45 AM

Thanks for the information. If it doesn't hold a vacuum, can you rebuild it? Where could I find a new one?

**OldMachinist** · 11-01-2009, 08:13 AM

Repair depends on if the diaphragm is replaceable and you can find one. Replacement also depends on if part is available. If it's bad I'd start with some of the site sponsors to see if they can get parts. Mini Truck Supply has rebuild kits for some carbs they might be able to get the parts.