I have an '83 MSE that doesn't like to start in the morning. You have to crank the engine while pumping the gas to ever get it to fire off. Then if you don't keep pumping for a bit it will die. Usually you have to keep pumping here and there for about 2 minutes before it finally will idle on it's own. Then it wants to stay choked until its good and warm before you can drive it. If its not good and warm you touch the gas and it dies. Also there is an off idle dead spot until about 160 degrees or so. After that everything seems to be o.k. Even on a warm 70 degree afternoon it wants to stay choked until its warm. What is wrong with this thing??

 

SOunds like your choke needs to be properly adjusted. It's not uncommon with carburated cars to have a little off idle hesitation until the car is at full operating temperature. I think that just kinda comes with the territory of having a carb.

 

When you say "choked" do you mean the choke blades are closed? You have an electric choke that should have one wire running to it with 12 volts (engine running). It will provide voltage to the coil (inside the housing), heating it and slowly opening the choke. When the engine is cold you should be able to observe the choke gradually opening as it warms up.

Verify that the choke is closed when cold and open (blade at 90 degrees) when warm. The choke and fast idle on these carbs are adjustable. You may want to pick up a manual. It can walk you through the adjustment and diagnosis with photos.