Topic: Starting my 78
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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I'm new, so hecko to all!
Very nice Site, good people.
The manual says "no pumping", but that's the only way she'll start- 5 or 6 cranks. Any advice would be appreciated (In case you couldn't tell, I'm not a mechanic, lol).
Greg
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Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Mine starts like that too when its sits for a while. I don't believe that would be abnormal. When I drive it around awhile it'll start right up. Is that the same scenario you experience? Or, does yours require the pumping each time?Tuxblacray 2006-09-23 12:27:27
No, Tux, when she's warm she starts right up...it's only a cold engine that does that...
So, you think it's normal? Good. I was worried about the revs going too high when I started her, 2000-2500 until she goes to about 1200 and then down to 6-700. Is that ok, too?
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Yes, I would say the starting procedure is normal for the older car. High revs at fast idle would be normal as well if you are using an automatic choke. As the engine temperature rises the RPM should begin to decrease as you indicated.
Tux, I see you have some beautiful paint jobs.
My local Vette shop is asking 10k to paint mine (original paint). Is that too high?
Greg
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
What you're describing is normal for a carbureted car with today's gasoline blends. Since modern cars are fuel injected, as well as other regulatory reasons, gasoline blended today evaporates faster than in the days our car were made and the fuel bowl goes empty after sitting from that evaporation. That requires pumping the pedal when cold to get gas up to the fuel bowls.
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
You have to answer a couple of questions for yourself.
* How much do I want to spend?
* Am I going to keep this car?
* What shops are available to me?
I spent $2000.00 on mine but I had a personal friend paint it. I chose to sand this car vs. strip it. Stripping can sometimes cause additional work time & money depending on the condition of the car & gel-coat. It is a matter of preference. I have done both and both have their advantages.
If you want a pristine show quality car then I would strip and work it over. It will last for many years.
My car has had many aftermarket mods and although I think it is very sharp it isn't the show quality you would find at say Bloomingon Gold. (It isn't that kind of NCRS type car.)
I didn't want to put thousands of dollars in it and I don't intend to keep it forever. Fact is money talks and it could go anytime. There have been 5 other vettes set in the same spot so I doubt that it would be long before an older vert would re-appear in that spot.
Sorry for being long winded... take your time look around get the best deal for what is right for you. All you have to do is make yourself happy.
Oh, & thanks for for noticin Tux ain't bad for an old car.
* How much do I want to spend?
* Am I going to keep this car?
* What shops are available to me?
I spent $2000.00 on mine but I had a personal friend paint it. I chose to sand this car vs. strip it. Stripping can sometimes cause additional work time & money depending on the condition of the car & gel-coat. It is a matter of preference. I have done both and both have their advantages.
If you want a pristine show quality car then I would strip and work it over. It will last for many years.
My car has had many aftermarket mods and although I think it is very sharp it isn't the show quality you would find at say Bloomingon Gold. (It isn't that kind of NCRS type car.)
I didn't want to put thousands of dollars in it and I don't intend to keep it forever. Fact is money talks and it could go anytime. There have been 5 other vettes set in the same spot so I doubt that it would be long before an older vert would re-appear in that spot.
Sorry for being long winded... take your time look around get the best deal for what is right for you. All you have to do is make yourself happy.
Oh, & thanks for for noticin Tux ain't bad for an old car.
If everything is working properly, the car will start with only one pump if it has been driven earlier during the day, but the engine has cooled off. The resets the choke.
kstyer 2006-09-23 19:03:21
With a completely cold engine, such as sitting over night or for a few days, push the pedal to the floor twice, let it up, and crank it. It will start if all is correct.
When the float bowls drain in a few days, to a week or so, there are soft plugs in a Q-jet, or gaskets in other carbs, that will allow the bowl to drain. Then the engine needs to crank several times to pump fuel into the carb. This can be cured with a good carb rebuild
If it requires cranking to fill the carb after it sits for some time it's fairly normal. The gas can evaporate with no other problems present.
If the float bowl is full and the car requires pumping, check the choke operation.
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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