Poor starting from cold and poor 1/8 throttle setting

[Norfolk]

I am currently running Mugello 186, Varitronic ignition set at 19 degrees, dellorto 26 carb, main 104, pilot 48, atomiser av266, needle x7 second clip, slide 40, choke 70, Ancillote exhaust.
If you are still with me the problem is :- (1) starting from cold, it may start on first kick or takes ages despite changing spark plug, once it does start for the remainder of the day it always starts. :- (2) when on 1/8 to 1/4 throttle it runs like a pig whether stationary or under normal drive conditions. (Four stroking ? ) Otherwise performance is excellent pulling well both one and two up.
I have read camlam suggested carb settings, but which do you suggest I change first, and regarding the various jets do I need jets with higher or lower numbers.
P.s. The choke is working fine and I follow the recommended throttle positions when starting.
Thanks in advance

[shane BBoys]

Hi.
I have read somewhere 50 pilot & 50 choke.
Cheers Shane.

[Rich Oswald]

Could be all sorts but I really don't think it is Jetting with what you have. No throttle at all for cold starting. Spark plug gap is a possibility. Is the choke working properly and fully? Could try 70 choke Jet. Could be electrical and the spark is not strong enough initially.

Rich'

[coaster]

Could be all sorts but I really don't think it is Jetting with what you have. No throttle at all for cold starting.Rich'

+1 for that, fundamental error wringing the throttle when starting, not saying that is the problem but it very often is.

[MickYork]

You could try advancing your timing. 19* seems too retarded for a Varitronic.....think it should be set at 21/22.

[Norfolk]

Thanks for giving me a few pointers, I will try the timing although I seem to recall it recommended to retard the timing to prevent piston damage.

[CHRIS in MARGATE]

Don’t believe all you read. Advance that timing. Lessen the plug gap. Keep the throttle shut.
Have you compression tested the engine; rings might be worn?

[coaster]

19 degrees is already as far advance as you really want to go with fixed ignition and modern fuel, many use 17 degrees.

[MickYork]

19 degrees is already as far advance as you really want to go with fixed ignition and modern fuel, many use 17 degrees.

it's a Varitronic, which will retard up to 12 degrees.

[coaster]

19 degrees is already as far advance as you really want to go with fixed ignition and modern fuel, many use 17 degrees.

it's a Varitronic, which will retard up to 12 degrees.

Yes, I missed that it had varitronic but Id not heard they retard that much thought it was about 6 degrees Either way, I doubt if it would affect starting that much.