hard start

[Mike M.]

I have a 1964 327/300 hp that is difficult to start when the engine is cold. I have to pump the pedal several times to get is started. After it starts it runs fine & idles fine. The car will start right up when the engine is warm.
Assuming the timing and carb is OK, does this sound like it may be a problem with the fuel pump? What's the best way to check the fuel pump? thanks

[Larry S.]

Re: hard start

You know this does not sound like a problem to me.

I have a couple of collector cars and always after the car has sat for a couple of days and is cold.I just get in and pump it 3 times to the flroor and on the 4rth and last pump I hold it half way to the floor untill it comes alive.

We all get so used to the modern fuel injection and the car starting right away,it gets alittle confusing getting into a car you have to pump and crank over a little

Good Luck

[John L.]

Re: hard start

I would be happy if I only had to pump mine three times to get it started after sitting for a while.

[Mike M.]

Re: hard start

Thanks, I'm feeling better already.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: hard start

Mike, as I recall from several prior posts, the gas mixture of today allows it to evaporate quickly compared to the 1964 mixture. If my 63 sits for a week, I use a turkey baster to inject gas into the carb. to avoid the pumping.

Harry

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: hard start

This is not hard start, this is "1964 start". This is the way it was! Take it from someone who has been pumping/grinding since it was the norm. There are a lot of guys out here who would be ecstatic if their old car would cold start after several pumps.

Hey, it's good exercise

Pete

[Tom S.]

Re: hard start

Mike
I agree with the others, this is not a hard start problem after 3 pump's.I have changed everything on my 69 L-46 that I can think of and I still have to pump it 12-15 times after it has sat for a week or so.I have had the carb gone through twice and it still is no better.If I take a little gas and put it down the vent tube it will pop right off.After it is warmed up it start's like a dream.By the way my carb was brand new in the box when I put it on.The old carb that was not correct was a leaking Holly, but it started very good. I have given up on it starting decent and just prime it if it has been sitting more than a few day's. Tom

[John M.]

Re: hard start

We have all just gotten spoiled with modern fuel injected cars, and have forgotten what is like to drive a car with a mechanical fuel pump and a carb. It is so strange to turn the key on my 59 resto-rod and have it fire up after about half a rotation. There is just something terribly wrong about a 59 starting this fast! LOL

Regards, John McGraw

[John M.]

Re: hard start

Mike,
you can allways cure this problem by putting an electric pump back by the tank, and turning the switch on for a couple of seconds before cranking it. The electric pump will fill the carb bowls up in just a few seconds.

Regards, John McGraw

[Gerard F.]

I think you have to get the fuel bowls full

Mike,

Same thing happens to my 67 with a Holley on the first start after sitting for a couple of days. Could never figure out where the fuel in the bowls go after sitting for a few days. Maybe it's the vented bowls, or it drips into the intake.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[John O.]

Re: hard start

Hi Mike

One thing you nor anyone else mentioned, was the choke.. Do you have one ? You should. It will need adjusting. After that, I see no problem with a one pump of the pedal to set it. Other than that, try rebuilding the carb.

Good luck ..John

[Clem Z.]

the choke must close completely

so when cranking the engine and a pressure drop is created in the carb venturi. the atmosphric pressure will then push the fuel from the float bowl thru the boosters causing the engine to fire