[T3] Alive but not Perfect (was RE: Trickle Charger)

[Adriel Rowley]

I went back to the F.L.A.P.S. to have them charge the battery, as they do it for free.  Left it while I went on an errand, and came back to be told it would not hold a charge, and in half hour went from 10.5 volts to eight volts.  Said it had to be replaced, and asked for a quote.  They must have changed there policy, as the first two years it is replaced for free.  So got a July of this year battery for free!  Got a chance to put it in the Squareback this night, doing it all by feel, as could not see where the flashlight was! l.o.l.

Got in, primed the system, but would not stay running unless the starter was engaged.  But, was not running rough like last time so think the battery was already bad.  So, kept my foot in it and starter engaged, and the engine speed started increasing.  Let the key go, but died.  Repeated it again, but waited until engine speed was even higher, then let go.  To keep it alive, had to nurse it, and will die if I do not keep the throttle open more.  Once it died after the initial start up, only took one crank to start.  Went for a short drive to get a better idea of things, and got good at clutch, throttle, ignition and shifter in a pattern to start it up and get moving.  However, once moving it is fine it seems.  Feels so good to drive it again; sure wish I had more time for her and to go to the local meetings: almost made Wednesday's. 

In sort, to start, pressure has to be up, then couple pumps of the throttle, open the throttle all the way, engage starter, and as comes to life, feather the throttle.  Oh, and on first start up, smelled real bad, then was faint, but still smells.  I am thinking bad gasoline, idle speed and T.P.S. in that order.  What do you all think I need to check?

Thank you,
Adriel