Cold start problems after tune-up

[dfw911]

I did my first ignition tune last weekend (points, plugs, dist cap, rotor and timing) and valve adjustment (special thanks for all of the valve adjustment tips on this board). The car runs much better, but now it requires 7 or 8 cranks to start when cold. Any ideas on something I may have inadvertantly knocked loose or changed?

[Early_S_Man]

Bart,

Check very thoroughly ... the condition of the 4.5 mm ID distribution hose from cold-start solenoid on top of fuel filter assembly ... if cracked or hardened, those hoses can result in a very nasty engine fire!

Try cleaning the terminals and connectors at the cold-start solenoid, and Thermo-Time Switch (on top of oval breather housing along engine centerline on top under air cleaner assembly) ...

[dfw911]

The connectors and hose all seem to check out. Could it be the mixture? I didn't change it, but I did make an 8-9 degree adjustment in the timing.
Also, I have found that it starts easier if I let the fuel pump run for a few seconds before cranking. For some reason my fuel pump runs as soon as the key is turned to the on position. I just found out this isn't normal after searching through old CIS posts. Does anyone know why it would be set up this way?

[HarryD]

Originally posted by dfw911
The connectors and hose all seem to check out. Could it be the mixture? I didn't change it, but I did make an 8-9 degree adjustment in the timing.
Also, I have found that it starts easier if I let the fuel pump run for a few seconds before cranking. For some reason my fuel pump runs as soon as the key is turned to the on position. I just found out this isn't normal after searching through old CIS posts. Does anyone know why it would be set up this way?

Bart,

The fuel pump on my stock 1973.5 CIS runs as soon as I turn the key. The delay you are thinking of was installed later.