Starting Problem

[Bob Malone #35242]

I have a 60 I'm restoring. During the 12 yrs I've owned it i've driven it about 1000 miles a yr. The engine was rebuilt 4500 miles ago and was running great when i began the frame off restoration last yr. I've just gotten my single Carter WCFB back from restoration and I'm having problems getting the car to start.
I have new fuel tank and lines. I have an rebuilt correct fuel pump that I know is working. Fuel is getting to the carb and I can see the accelerator pump working. The problem is the car will fire but not continue to run. Based on the smells and fumes in the air, I'm think it is getting way too much fuel and is flooding out.
The carb rebuilder sent a note saying that it is common problem in new and rebuilt carb for the needle valve in the fuel inlet to stick open when it initially fills the empty fuel bowl with fuel causing it to flood. He suggested tapping the area around the fuel inlet with the plastic end of a screwdriver a few times. I done that and also TAPPED it with a fiber mallet. still the same problem.
Any suggestions?

[Jack H.]

Re: Starting Problem

Other professional Carter restorers pack a note in the box telling folks to CHECK their fuel pressure as WFCB was notorious for its needle valve not tolerating high pressure (above 4-5 psi) and many of their 'returns' for freshly restored carbs leaking/malfunctioning stem from replacement and/or rebuilt fuel pumps that generate higher than, of the era, supply pressure.

[Jack H.]

Re: Starting Problem

Other professional Carter restorers pack a note in the box telling folks to CHECK their fuel pressure as WFCB was notorious for its needle valve not tolerating high pressure (above 4-5 psi) and many of their 'returns' for freshly restored carbs leaking/malfunctioning stem from replacement and/or rebuilt fuel pumps that generate higher than, of the era, supply pressure.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Starting Problem

What is the easiest way to check fuel pressure. Can I just buy a cheap pressure guage and fittings to hook it up at the line that goes into the carb?

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Starting Problem

What is the easiest way to check fuel pressure. Can I just buy a cheap pressure guage and fittings to hook it up at the line that goes into the carb?

[Wayne C.]

Re: Starting Problem

This may be off the wall, but a similar symptom occurs when the ignition resistor on the firewall fails... the engine fires right up but then quits as soon as the ignition key is released from the start position.

[Wayne C.]

Re: Starting Problem

This may be off the wall, but a similar symptom occurs when the ignition resistor on the firewall fails... the engine fires right up but then quits as soon as the ignition key is released from the start position.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Starting Problem

It may not be as far off the wall as you think. As a matter of fact, it just occurred to me that that is what's happening. It fires until I release the key from the "starter" engagement to the "on" position, then just shuts down.

However, I don't have a resistor in the circuit. I have an MSD solid state ignition system. I'm wondering if the MSD unit has gone bad on me.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Starting Problem

It may not be as far off the wall as you think. As a matter of fact, it just occurred to me that that is what's happening. It fires until I release the key from the "starter" engagement to the "on" position, then just shuts down.

However, I don't have a resistor in the circuit. I have an MSD solid state ignition system. I'm wondering if the MSD unit has gone bad on me.

[Wayne C.]

Re: Starting Problem

Could be... see if accessories that need the key "on" are working, to eliminate the ignition switch itself, then check the wire feeding the MSD.

[Wayne C.]

Re: Starting Problem

Could be... see if accessories that need the key "on" are working, to eliminate the ignition switch itself, then check the wire feeding the MSD.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Starting Problem

Hummmmm...? What accessories need the key on to work? I don't have the radio installed yet. How about the cig lighter? Guess I'll have to go check the wiring diagram. Can't think of any other accessories. Maybe the heater fan or wipers, huh?

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Starting Problem

Hummmmm...? What accessories need the key on to work? I don't have the radio installed yet. How about the cig lighter? Guess I'll have to go check the wiring diagram. Can't think of any other accessories. Maybe the heater fan or wipers, huh?

[Wayne C.]

Re: Starting Problem

No, not the lighter... perhaps the gas gauge or the wipers.

But, here's maybe a better way to troubleshoot the MSD:

http://www.msdignition.com/1troub1.htm

[Wayne C.]

Re: Starting Problem

No, not the lighter... perhaps the gas gauge or the wipers.

But, here's maybe a better way to troubleshoot the MSD:

http://www.msdignition.com/1troub1.htm