I've noticed my 1977 Delta 88 pace car has been very hard to start the day after I use it. It's getting harder and harder to start it. It seems like there's no gas in the bowl when I first try to fire it up. I hit the pedal once or twice to set the choke then try to start it. It doesn't start right away and the time it takes to actually start is getting longer. I'm not crazy about cranking it over for more then 5 seconds or so at a time. Don't want to kill the battery. I'm not sure if the carb has ever been rebuilt. Doesn't look it. Not sure if the fuel pump has ever been replaced and neither did the previous owner. It does look newer than the rest of the engine compartment so I'll guess that it has been replaced in the past. I did change the fuel filter back in February when I first got the car. I've been adding some good miles to it recently, getting it out every chance that I get. There are no external leaks or smells of raw fuel. It doesn't surge or bog. The exhaust doesn't smell rich. Throttle response is not what I'd expect from the car. It seems to "struggle" to get up to speed but once you're there it'll cruise effortlessly all day. The car did have a good tune-up with new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and ignition coil. I'm thinking it's time to rebuild the carb. It's the original stock Q-jet on the 403.

 

To start you can activate the throttle with the engine COLD and look for fuel in the venturi from the accelerator pump. If you see the fuel then you might try setting the choke before disassembling the carburetor.

 

With ethanol fuel I've started using this procedure on carbureted engines especially if car has sat a few days.

Before ever setting the choke, spin the engine over for a few seconds to fill the float bowl. Then set the automatic choke and start the engine. It usually works pretty well.

But if that carb has never been taken apart, cleaned, and rebuilt in 45 years it's probably time!

 

If that’s the case, it is definitely time for an ethanol resistant accelerator pump cup.

 

Just want to add that these guys are the best as far as service and great parts. The original owner passed away about a year ago and they were not shipping for a while but they are back at it. I just got a kit from them last week.

https://quadrajetparts.com/

 

Olds64,
There is some fuel in the venturi when I activate the throttle by hand on the cold engine. Looks like the choke isn't closing when cold. I've tried it over the last few days and it looks like the choke only closes less than half way. I can manually close it so it's completely shut. It doesn't look like it's sticking or binding on anything, but it still only sets to the half-way point or less.

 

First, spray down the choke plate and all the linkage with a good carb and choke cleaner and see if there's any improvement.

Past that sounds like the choke coil spring has gotten weak. Either replace with a like piece or convert to an electric choke.

 

If you manually close the choke does it start faster? If so, the 'lazy' choke is obviously your problem. They do require some periodic adjustment. However, even if this solves your problem, consider rebuilding the carb. If for no other reason than to get some ethanol-resistant materials in it. I know some of the guys on this forum dispute it, but I know firsthand what today's doped fuels will do to the old school gaskets, rubber parts, etc.

 

I sprayed the choke plate and all the linkage as directed but didn't see an improvement. If someone manually holds the choke closed while I try to start it then it does start easier. Bad choke or assembly. I'm going to pull the carb and have it rebuilt anyway so I know that it's fresh and updated for today's fuels.
Thanks.