1950 Plymouth - Hard to start

[mmarkovich1]

Sorry for long post. I am combining 2 posts I have on the oldplymouths.com web site.

 

My 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe is hard to start after sitting. I had to use starting fluid today after the car has sit for about a week. Spray in the starting fluid and car starts right up and continues to run perfectly. I went to a car show today and the car sat for about 4 hours. Would not start. I think no gas getting to the carb. Sprayed started fluid and it started right up. I drove it home with no problems.

 

I read the service manual and will check the fuel pump and fuel lines. But, I am confused as to why it won't start without starter fluid, but once it does start it runs OK. Do you think I need a fuel pump rebuild or maybe a partially clogged fuel line? Or could it be a carb a problem.

 

I have run this car for 14 years without a fuel problem. It has been very dependable. A good runner.

Also, I use straight regular unleaded gas. I do not use lead additive. 

 

 

I did a brief inspection this afternoon. The choke works OK. Pulled the oil bath filter and saw some gas on the carb body. I tightened the 3 top screws. Each turned about a quarter to a third. I checked the bottom body screws. Each turned just slightly. I pumped the gas linkage. Gas was going into the carb. Naturally the car started first turn of the key. 

 

I am going to let it sit for a couple of days and try to start it again. If no luck, I will start checking each individual part. 

 

It seems there could be several reasons for the starting problem. What would you check first? I want to try to narrow down the problem with the least amount of trial and error. 

[nonstop]

After you turn it off, take off the air cleaner and check for fuel dripping into the throat of the carb. I had a hard start problem that turned out to be float set too high and it would flood the engine. Just a thought.

[Fernando Mendes]

My WWII 1942 Willys Jeep was like yours during four month.Finally we discovered that was its "throttle valve".When it is closed it is allowing the air pass through the venturi.It should close totally the venturi.It occurs because the throttle valve shaft is already worn.

[Don Coatney]

I don't understand why you feel the need to apologize for a long post. The more information you share the better the answer.

 

Three things are needed to start an engine. Compression, air/fuel mixture, and spark delivered at the correct time.

 

So I must ask when did do last do a compression reading and what are the results?

 

Have you done a fuel pump pressure and flow test? What is the float setting on your carburetor? Is your accelerator pump in good working order?

 

Have you inspected the points, condenser, coil, ignition wires, spark plugs, ETC?

 

Starting fluid enriches the fuel charge and lowers the flash point. If any of the three things mentioned above are out of specifications the use of starting fluid will mask the real problem.

 

I  just checked and you last checked  responses to your questions 10 days ago. So It looks like a waste of time to respond to your questions.