I have the typical fuel bleed down after cars sits for a while. Carb does not leak down, have the check valve style fuel filter in the carb as well and the fuel pump seems fine as it will start no problem if only sitting for a day or two. Not overly concerned but hate cranking so much when I do go to start. I found these mentioned on a couple sites and was curious if anybody has used one? Also if any reason not to try?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131555790258...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Thanks, Joe

 

Its not fuel bleed down over a long period of time, its probably evaporating. What your experiencing is normal for a carburetor.

 

There are already check valves inside the fuel pump (that's how it works), so I doubt that adding another will make much difference.

As Eric said, this sounds more or less like normal operation.

I think we need a category that is analogous to the kids' term "First World problems" -
this is a "Twenty-First Century problem": Back in the 20th Century, this wouldn't even have been a problem, but now that everyone is accustomed to the instant starting of computerized fuel injection, any deviation from that norm seems like a defect.

If you recall, Consumer Reports used to have a section in every car review called "Starting and Running." They eliminated it about twenty years ago because every they tested started and ran perfectly.

- Eric

 

Note the description says it requires 0.8 bar to open. That is 11 psi and a carburetor style fuel pump puts out around 7 psi max.

 

Thanks Ken, that is what I missed!

 

You've got a couple options. First one is to fill the carb bowl via the vent tube with gasoline. Second is to splash some down the primaries. Third, you could seal off the carb with plastic each time you stop, but you'd inevitably forget once and have issues.

It takes mine about 7 seconds to start when it's been sitting. This is normal. It also gets oil going places before the engine starts, which is a good thing.

 

^^^This. Unfortunately, the ethanol in today's gasoline seems to make this worse. I have exactly the same problem with my 62 when I don't drive it regularly. As noted above, I simply fill the float bowls through the vents before trying to start it. Alternately, you can install a small electric fuel pump to prime the system before starting.

 

Back when carb cars were the norm they were mostly daily drivers, so you did not notice the issue as much. Plus there was not fast-evaporating ethanol in the fuel.

For me, I crank the engine a few seconds before every touching the throttle to run the fuel pump if the car has sat for more than a week. Then I fully depress the pedal once to set the choke per the starting instructions in the owners manual and usually starts first turn of the key. I have a boat with a SBC that does the exact same thing so not just Olds.

 

I want to say thanks for this info. I have a had my 66 Cutlass for a month and have the same issue. Thanks for clearing this up for me. Interesting how much memory we loose in fifty years.
Wayne

 

Define what a "while" is...A week, then its a leaking bowl, unless you've already checked for that.. A month or longer is normal evaporation. Use non-ethanol gas in all carbureted machinery.
I dont mind the longer cranking time when its been sitting, gives the oil a chance to circulate.

 

Normally more than 3 days. I am sure the gas is a big part of it. I just don't like to starter to run for more then a few seconds. Right now I crank it twice for a few seconds, then set the choke, it will start after that. I was just trying to reducing the cranking time. Wonder if a little marvel mystery oil added to the bowl after shut down would help reduce the evaporation.

 

I had this exact problem on my '55 Olds and I completely eliminated it by putting a inline electric pump($35 from Auto Zone) about 2 feet forward from the tank ,and a lighted toggle switch for it's operation. Just turn it on for 30 seconds before turning the starter and it cranks right up. I like you, believe it will save starter problems later. Larry

 

There are some electric pumps that the mechanical pump has trouble pulling fuel through. If you feel this is that big of a problem, I suggest going to fuel injection.

 

10 seconds on a starter isnt gona hurt anything once in a while. Sounds like maybe your chokes set a little light?

 

I would think it is more of an annoyance then a problem. Fuel injection would take the fun out of it. Really was just poking around to see what ideas, solutions folks have tried.