The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Starting difficulty after sitting a long time

Hi Folks,
Not sure this is a real Problem but it doesn't hurt to ask.
I've got a 55 series II and it starts great when it only sits for a couple of days. BUT, if it sits for two months, or so, it has a problem that sounds like the battery is almost dead. When it just barely turns over and I think I'll need to jump start it - it starts! It starts right when I release the starter foot pedal.
When it sits a long time I always connect a fully charged Optima battery. It has a new starter and solenoid, petronix electronic ignition and new plugs. It also has a new fuel pump. The timing is spot on and compression is very good on all cylinders. I am using Penrite 20W-60 oil and it was just changed.
Everything is fine - if I don't let it sit too long.
I was thinking that maybe the engine ground to the chassis is bad or maybe the gas evaporates out of the carb. The carb is also new.
Haven't checked the voltage drop when starting. That's my next step. Engine ground and gas are OK.
Any ideas or is this just a Stovebolt characteristic that I have to learn to live with?
Many Thanks

Look at the switch on the starter. Does it have a side post? That post is used to get a 12 volt line to the coil just for starts. With the ballast resistor in line you might have too little voltage at the points when starting. The switch looks like this:
http://www.classicparts.com/1947-59-Starter-Switch-w_Side-Terminal/productinfo/53-712/#.VHtjCvldVmM
The side terminal is only hot when the starter is running. Simple wire to the + side of the coil and you should have no more issues.

Thanks for the quick reply. My solenoid has the side post and it is connected as you suggested.
I'll check the voltage drop next time I start my truck.
The Petronix electronic ignition needs a full 12 Volts and maybe I'm dropping below that value. Don't know what else it could be.

Go back to points. Then you don't have to worry about whether the Pertronix has left you stranded.

Are you sure there is fuel in the carb? I have a 51 216, and it takes a while to get fuel from the pump to the carb if it sits for a few weeks.

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking the same thing!
There is fuel in the filter. I can see it through the glass cover. Don't know about the carb.
It does have a new fuel pump because I was thinking the old one may be weak as it is (was) original. New fuel pump didn't change anything.
I've been giving it a full choke when I try to start it but it seems to take a long time which runs the battery down.
Maybe I should plumb -in an electric fuel pump just to see if it helps???

My '48's 235 barley has 600 miles since full rebuild last winter. If its sits for more then 4 or 5 days it takes awhile to start and the battery sounds like its going to give up. I think the problem is like 51bolt says "it takes a while to get fuel from the pump to the carb". I have a glass filter a few inches before the carb so I can see the fuel.
If the truck has sat longer then a couple hours, I stomp the gas twice, crack the throttle lever, and pull the choke 1/2-3/4 out.
The batteries wining has made me nervous, but has yet to leave me stranded. So I'm happy with the factory setup that I am running.

I think having fuel in the filter bowl may not mean there is fuel in the carb. In order to eliminate the "no fuel" problem, I would let it sit for the time that you think and then open the top of the carb and see what you have. Don't try to start it. If the fuel is there, you have eliminated that from the list and can move to spark. If it's not there, then you know you have to fill the carb before you start. A plastic bottle with some type of "straw" or plastic tubing would work. Fill it through the brass vent pipe.
Good luck and let us know what you find.