Citroen 2CV Not Starting When Hot?
Oct 22nd, 2008 by Denis
I recently got asked a question here about Citroen 2CV ’s
and decided to post on it, as many people have asked about
this over the years.
"My 2cv has become very hard to start when it is hot.
I recently replaced the points but on a second check
the gap and static timing seemed to be correct.
Can you suggest what I could look at?"
Here is what I know and what people who work on the cars
today are finding.
1. The general quality of coils available for the cars is a bit
questionable. Some work fine, others act up when they get
hot. Make sure you check to see that you have a spark when
the car seems to be acting up when hot.
2. I know this may not apply but check to make sure that ignition
switch is in good shape. They can act up with heat.
3. The installation of the 123 coil can help some of this. They are
available in this country from: French Parts Service at:
http://www.2cvsource.com
4. The last thing I have to say is that new reformulated gasoline
with lots of ethanol in it causes old cars with carburetors to have
trouble starting when they are hot because it evaporates so quickly.
It is best suited for a fuel injected engine were it is under a
constant pressure, and not a system like the 2CV with a very
long intake manifold were it can be subject to vapor lock with
hot weather or when the engine gets hot.
Hope that was of some help.
Denis
