If I appear parsanoid, it's for a reason....starting issues....

Posted by patgreen On 2013/4/6 0:10:07

Last fall my starter burned out which led to carb failure which led to having my lifters replaced this spring. All perfectly logical....

When I had the pot rebuilt I got the kit from the guys in Florida (plus 2 pr of nice new brass floats) sparing no expense.

Today, as in the recent past, the car starts easily in 30 degrees but will not run continuously until warm--after 5-10 minutes. Before that, pop it into drive or reverse and the engine will die, especially if you are silly enough to put even one toe on the gas.

Fast backward: when I got the car I started by just turning the key, but was told that since this car has a carb, I need to give one firm pump on the gas letting up maybe half the travel, then twist the key.

At this point, one of two possibilities raises its head: the car starts beautifully and (if halfway warm) off I go for miles of smiles. Or it sputters once and expresses absolutely no interest in starting (particularly if blocking the street). Then it takes a fifteen minute nap and starts like it had become a wonderful day and runs happily thereafter for the day.

Am I flooding it? Does the carb need a specific reset? Once it decides not to start there is no partial ignition, no rough sputtery start--apparently I have organized union pistons....

Did I mention that thefuel pump is new and was rebuilt about three years ago by Arthur Gold. It has been on the bench waiting for a chance to show what it can do....

The car has gotten a recent tune with new points and plugs as well as a new distributor cap and condenser; wires were said to be ok.

Any suggestions would be welcome. I'm getting afraid to drive for fear of being marooned or abandoned.