People warned me about these cars!!

jhaynie · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 01:34 PM

Went for my first extensive ride today since getting my Cobra last week. The car was running great for the first 15 miles or so. Mostly on the interstate at speed.
After an hour of running errands (getting tags and insurance) in across town stop and go traffic, I came along a road that had some new asphalt on it. Not wanting to spot up my car with asphalt, I quickly turned off the road to turn around.
When I was backing up, I let out the clutch too fast and the car cut off (been driving an automatic for 10 years) When I went to restart the starter drug and wouldn't crank the car. I gave it a few minutes to cool off (engine water around 170 deg., not hot by any means, just thought the starter may have overheated) and it cranked eventually.
Now however, the motor would not stay at idle and would slowly loose RPM's and shut down. It was idleing smooth, just wouldn't stay there. Also noticed that if you gave it throttle, there was a small puff of black smoke out of the pipes.
Its a 351 with Holley Fuel Injection. Any ideas?

Got it back to my storage building o.k., just had to touch the throttle with my foot while braking.

Clois Harlan · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 01:45 PM

I had the same problem in the beginning. Check your ground strap (sh/be .00 size battery cable) that you should have between your starter and your frame. Mine was bolted to the frame tight but I hadn't cleaned the grounding surface very well.

I hope this helps.

Clois Harlan

jhaynie · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 01:46 PM

I can say that even though I had this little hiccup (one of many to come I'm sure), I wouldn't want it any other way. This car is awesome.

Mr.Fixit · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 03:07 PM

It won't idle and there's a puff of black smoke when you jaz the throttle.... sounds like fuel management to me.

niles · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 09:39 PM

Clois;
I'm installing ground straps now. I have a cable from the bell housing to the frame and the battery to another spot on the frame. do I need a seperate ground from a starter motor mounting bolt?

thx
gn

jhaynie · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 06:46 AM

I looked at the battery cables, they are welding cable with connectors crimped at the starter and those clamp type battery posts at the other end. The welding cable has many small strands of copper instead of less larger strands. I've owned quite a few boats and I know the cables I use in my boat have larger strands. Should I change this or is welding cable o.k.?

RACERAL · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 07:13 AM

you may want to post this on www.ffcobra.com
they are a lot of smart folks over there on fi stuff....and VERY helpful

HPNUT · #8 (**permalink**) 08-21-2002, 07:12 PM

Welding cable is about the best you can do. It still depends on the size.

On every drag car that I have wired or rewired and many street/strip cars, welding cable works great. Most or all of the racers I know use it also. One note though, make sure to use big enough cable and the proper way to put the terminals on is to solder them.

I believe I used 2/0 on my cars, which may be overkill, but better to have more than enough current flow than not enough.

If you have no way to solder them, make sure to buy the good ends that you can also get at a welding supply house.

1/0 should be plenty, especially when you compare it to regular battery cable.

I hope this was of some help.