'64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

[randy greenbaum]

Hi All,
Have a '64 with stock 327 except for a new Edelbrock intake and 600 carb. I had to add a 1" adapter between the carb body and the air cleaner to utilize the stock air cleaner.(it needed to be offset foward to clear the ignition shielding.) Engine runs strong except after the car has been turned off and sitting for a while, then it is very difficult to start. After cranking for a bit it fires, although dogedly, belches a bit of black smoke, like she's flooded, and then runs well. I've also noticed that occasionally, while at idle, the rpm's fall slightly and she almost stalls. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Randy

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Randy, what was the original HP of the car?

Harry

[randy greenbaum]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Hi Harry,
250 hp.
Thanks,
Randy

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Randy, I figured it was a 250 hp car. I had the same problem with my 250hp 63. It came with an Edelbrock set-up on the car, same as yours. Fortunately, the intake manifold and original carb. also came with the car. As soon as I went back to stock the problem went away. Remember the 250 hp car has different heads and 2 inch exhaust. I also believe the cam is different. The end result was mine could not handle the Edelbrock carb and all that fuel after it got hot.

This may also be your problem, just a thought.

Harry

[John H.]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Does your Edelbrock carb have an electric choke? If so, where do you have the 12V power lead from the choke connected?

[randy greenbaum]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Hi Harry,
Thanks for the input. I also have the original intake and carb, but the carb is shot and my mechanic suggested the newer technology would improve performance. And it did. Runs great except starting hot. And even then it has to sit for over 45 mins to be a problem. He has suggested fuel might be leaking past the needle and seat, thus the time delay. Do you think improving air flow might help? Maybe a high volume air filter?

Thanks,
Randy

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Yes, but also consider what John has mentioned. Your choke could be the problem. It just sounds like too much fuel.

Harry

[randy greenbaum]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Hi John,
Thanks for the input. Not sure where he's got it connected. I'll have to check. Where should it be??

Thanks,
Randy

[randy greenbaum]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

John,

Just checked and it's connected to the ceramic block on the firewall. Not sure ahat the technical term is.

[Mike Cobine]

Basics, people

It is flooding.

You don't say what the carb is, but if it is an Edelbrock carb, it sounds like a Q-Jet replica. Very common for the floats to sink in a Q-Jet and then they run rich and flood on start (unless it is cold out, then it runs "right") and then at idle hot they flood from the float being sunk.

If it is a Holley, then it is probably junk stuck in a needle and seat holding it open to flood, the gaskets leaking into the throttle, or a possible composite flood sunk.

[John H.]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

Randy, if it's connected to the ballast resistor (the ceramic block), it has to be at the (primary) ignition switch side (where the pink wire connects that comes from the inside of the car through the grommet in the firewall) so it's getting a full 12 volts. If it's connected to the secondary end of the resistor (where the black/pink wire to the coil is), the choke won't get full voltage and may not open all the way.

[Wayne W.]

Re: "newer technology would improve performance"

Now thats funny. Who thinks that an Edlebrock carb is new technology? HA,HA. I am still trying to get back into my chair.

[randy greenbaum]

Re: Basics, people

Hi Mike,
Seems to be flooding but only after it's driven, fully warmed up and then sits for 30-45 mins. The carb isa brand new 600 cfm Edelbrock Performer. We checked the float and it is tight.

Thanks,
Randy

[randy greenbaum]

Re: '64 HARD STARTING WHEN EGINE HOT

John,
The wire connect to the choke is connected to the bottom of the ballast resistor and that wire comes through the firewall. Although it's black I have to assume it's from the ignition. The other end of the resistor is connected to a wire comming from the harness. Never the less when the air cleaner is removed the choke appears to be fully open when the engine is at operating temp.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Basics, people

Is it a brass float or a composite. If composite, they break down and soak up like a sponge, looking perfect the whole time. It has nothing to do with tightness.

Warmed up and idling is where the problem becomes most obvious. It is now flooding gas into the throttle and flooding. Black smoke while sitting at a stop or light.

Cold, it is not noticed, because when cold, you are choking the carb and flooding on purpose because the engine needs the extra fuel.

If it is brass, then it could have a pinhole leak.

To test, let the float sit out in the sun for a day to dry out. Weigh it. Then sink it in a bucket of gas and let sit an hour. Then weigh it again. If heavier, install a new float.