Hard starting revisited

[bob_amos]

Last month we had a thread going that discussed the hard starting problem and focused on the empty float bowls after sitting a while. I had noticed that there was a fuel stain just under the carb and thought it might be from a leak down through the sealing plug under the bowl. Well, a few weeks ago I tore into the carb and replaced all the gaskets and accel. pump. I also made all the proper adjustments and the car ran like new. I also replaced those nasty leaking plugs. But.... what would happen after sitting for a while? Two weeks later and after sitting for first 3 days and then 4 and lastly a week. Guess what? There was fuel remaining in the bowl and no stains under the carb. As an added bonus, she starts up much more easily. Anyway, just wanted to share the results with all of you.

[Rodney Bullock]

I have noticed that when I usegas that advertises 10% ethenol the car is hard to start and has a longer warm-up period, that is as long as the car is warm the car runs ok. As soon as I got that gas out of there the car ran perfect. I use to think the Plymouth was hard to start, What happened was I got a new carb from Carlise and had to learn a new way of starting it, The choke did not need to be pulled out so far and I needed to tap the gas a little more, after learning this even after the car had been sitting will start on the second try.......We live and learn! Thanks for the info!

[claybill]

it seems every car, and carb, ordriver has a special ritual for starting...one pump, two pumps, then press, the hold, then wait, then try again, choke in, choke out....

its true, once you learn your carbs habit, it starts easily!! but they arent all the same as fuel injection.

bill

[bob_amos]

Ain't it truth about every car and driver has thier own ritual to start. Each of my vintage vehicles has its own specialty. Now that I have cured the "fuel leak down in the float bowl" the Plymouth start so much easier. But... I do have to develope a new ritual with her as she doesn't start like the newer cars do. (Didn't expect it to or even want it to.) The new ritual should be loads easier than the old "crank and pray the fuel arrives before the battery gives out"... LOL..

[Normspeed]

Of the cures I've found on hard starting flathead six motors, number one is getting the carb right. I had to go through both of mine a second time to really dial them in but it's worlds better now, no more hard starting when warm, no more gas fumes or external seepage either. Second is making sure the points are set right. When they're right, by dwell or gap method, she'll kick right over. Third is those big 2/0 battery cables, all 3. A bargain at approx $30 total from the local battery shop. And last, that sneaky little electric fuel pump tucked away back by the tank. You can tell by the change in the faint purring sound it makes, when the carbs are full and the floats cut off the flow. Then it's click-vroom!

Speaking of purring, Bob, glad you got your 53 purring again. I still haven't seen it in person. Photos look great though. Maybe on my next trip to the lake...

[greg g]

Owner's manal is pretty specific for starting a cold P15 engine. Pull choke full out. Floor accelarator pedal, to set high idle cam. Hold pedal 1/4 to 1/2 throttle, and engage starter. when engine starts, release gas pedal, and adjust choke to achive smooth high speed idle. Decrease choke as engine warms, to release high idle cam.

[Normspeed]

Chokes?? We Don' need no stinkin' CHOKES!!

[greg g]

Cali guys......Huuummmmmpppph!!!! Never have to start anything colder than 50 degrees.

[Normspeed]

You didn't know my ex wife....

[greg g]

Do the term ICE QUEEN have any special meanin to ya???????

To say the least, I was not expecting that reply.

[bob_amos]

Know what ya mean Norm. Have 3 ex's myself. Geez, they sure were tough to get started. But once ya got 'em going ya just couldn't turn them off again.... LOL

[Rodney Bullock]

Oh my!