I've been troubleshooting a "semi" hard start problem on my '83 245 for some weeks. Hot or cold, the car won't start on the first crank unless I just keep cranking. Not that it takes an excessively long time to catch, but not as fast as I know it should. However, if I let up on the key and wait for just one second, it then starts with just a flick of the switch!

Both pumps are running correctly. Voltage to both is good. Filter is new. Prepump runs when car is running, but not with ignition just "on", is that right? I can't recall! Regardless, when running, the prepump will absolutely flood a bucket with gas, so no apparent problem there. I have replaced the check valve at the main pump, but determined in the process that the old one was fine. Everything else about running is fine. Power is good, no hesitation or bucking, no starving, lean-outs, ox senson and MAS give correct readings on mixture. Timining is fine etc. Main fuse in the engine compartment seems clean and tidy too. What am I missing?

DS

83 245, 87 245, 91 244 and a '97 845 (we are wagon nuts!)