If...

[Bert Oni]

....I have to put a rag over the carb bell mouth when cold starting, what's likely to be the problem?
A mate of mine suspects an air leak, as I suppose by using the old school rag method, I'm effectively restricting air intake. Would I be correct in thinking it's non electrical, as it does fire up virtually 1st or 2nd kick with the cloth, but can be any number without.
Basic set up:
Avanti with 30mm phbh.
70 choke
54 pilot
Av266 atomisor
X7 needle 2nd clip from top
45 slide
Air mixture screw currently 2 & 1/4 turns out (but no difference when 1 & 1/4)
17 degrees static on 120W stator
Mid weight flywheel.
Any ideas?

[coaster]

You are right about it not being electrical by the sound of it. The pilot seems a bit small, my Avanti had a 55 pilot and I think Ron suggested that a 58 was a preferred size. Also make very sure that your choke is opening fully, there should be only a little slack in the cable when it's in the closed position. An air leak is also possible

[ducksta]

puzzling mine has the opposite, starts first kick, same carb set up

[mick1]

puzzling mine has the opposite, starts first kick, same carb set up

The additional 10 stone you use on the kickstart may be a factor

[ducksta]

So what was your excuse going to cleethorpes then