1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

[Peter R.]

After my '54 is fully warmed up and then turned off, I have difficuly restarting it unless I give it full choke. (After it restarts, I turn off the choke immediately and it idles and runs fine.) Is it normal for these engines to need full choke for hot restart? I haven't had the car long enough to know what's normal yet. If it's not normal, can anyone suggest what the problem might be?

Thanks,

Pete

[Cathy S.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

If mine sits for more than 15-20 minutes I use my choke also. Starts right up. Each car is a little different. You just have to learn your vehicle.

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

A hot or even a warm re-start of my '54 involves just turning the key. Engine re-fires instantly.

If I even look at the accelerator pedal or contemplate pulling the choke first, I'll be there for hours trying to get the engine started.

I agree with the sentiment that each one is different. Do what works for you.

Jim

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Thanks for the input, Cathy and Jim. Looks like my car is not outside the range of "normal." I guess I'm learning its quirks.

Pete

[Tim E.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Pete - Does your starter motor seem to be turning the engine over normally when it's hot? 6v systems depend on a good ground to perform well. Search the archives for a past discussion on 6v starter motor performance and a properly gauged negative battery cable. The thread contains the part number of a NAPA cable that has solved many slow crank problems (reproduction cables are too small a gauge). Tim

[Jerry P.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Tim... can you post the link to the thread that discusses the 6 volt neg cable from NAPA... thanks jer

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Tim, It was turning slowly at times, when hot. I attributed that to my battery not being fully charged, but I am using a repro braided ground cable and I can see how that might be part of the problem. I will look into that. Thanks for the tip.

I found the thread about the NAPA cable in the archives. It is:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ight=volt+napa

The part number still works at NAPA and it is an insulated cable, rather than a braid, so it may not look correct, but perhaps it will flow the necessary current.

Pete

[Tim E.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Pete - Here's the link to an even earlier thread which has some good discussion on starters and cables:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...lt-battery-C-1

My old tractor had a 6v system and I was experiencing the same issue as you....slow starter performance and full choke on restart. Once I got the starter performance corrected, the engine starts immediately in all conditions.

Tim

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Thanks, Tim. That gives me hope. I'm already working on a heavier ground cable/braid.

Pete

[Brad H.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Or you can go to a 8 volt(readjust volt. Reg.) battery for more juice, also help's horn's work better. Thank's.

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 hot restart needs full choke -- what is normal?

Plenty of NOS 6v negative cables still readily available. No need to buy one that doesn't look correct.