Great wedding; horrible start next day...

Posted by patgreen On 2013/11/3 15:13:38

Went to a lovely outdoor wedding near Rockford (about 75 miles) where the bride was delivered in a magnificent 1956 Patrician. Fun time!

Until next morning, when the car wouldn't start.

Carb was rebuilt this summer by a reliable mechanic. 93 octane Mobil. Complete tune about 250 miles ago. Temp about 44 degrees.

Wife claims she did what I do; put gas down to set choke, let gas up and crank. Somehow the car was flooded and despite several cycles of holding gas down and waiting 15 mins between tries was firing on one cylinder too few and would not run.

Eventually, a good Samaritan removed the air cleaner and stuck a screwdriver in the carb, where several magnificent backfires later it ran like a Swiss watch and pretended that nothing was wrong.

QUESTIONS:

1.) What procedure would you use to start the car.

2.) What should be happening in the carb; should the choke be fully closed at the start?

P.S.

Mileage is about 10 no m,atter what I do. this seems mighty low, so any suggestions would be appreciated. Exhaust is clean to see but leaves black soot on tail pipe.