'87 1.3 sputters when cold

[dms105]

I got an '87 civic with the 1.3 carbed motor, the car sputters like hell when its cold. I actually have to hold the gas down when I start it, and for about 5 minutes or the car will just sputter and die. I have NO experience with carburated motors so I am in the dark on this one. Once the car warms up, it runs pretty good. Has anyone else had this problem? Is this common? I appreciate any advice

[myk888]

do u have a choke that you're supposed to use?

coz from what it sounds like....thats what u arent doing

[dms105]

I know nothing about carburated motors, but I would assume that the choke would be automatically controlled on this car wouldnt it?

[myk888]

i have the 1.4 dual carburetted and i have a choke

[DavidovSpeedWRC]

If you had a manual choke there would be some sort of lever or knob you pull out that is labeled "Choke".
If you have this tell us, and I'll tell you how to use it.

Otherwise, you will have an electric choke, I really don't know how to test to see if it is operating properly.
Other than take off the air cleaner assembly and looking down at the carburetor when you are starting the car, and the choke plate shold be covering the largest barrel on the carb until it is warm then it should be partially open.

I removed my choke when I rebuilt my carb last Fall, and it is a total bitch to cold start (I'll have you know these carburetors are always hard to cold start, modded or unmodded).

This is the kind of car you have to let warm up, so my advice is
A)Check out your choke situation
B) Be patient on cold morning start ups