The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Proper hot start for a Carter W-1

Took my 41 out for a drive Saturday. It was a very warm morning, but she drove great. After stopping for gas, it did not initially restart, but took 4 cranks to get her running. It has a 1954 engine, stock 6 volt ignition and a Carter W-1.

Operating these old girls is relatively new to me, what do you all do when starting a hot engine after a few minutes? Oh, BTW, I have stopped started this engine many times before and previously it has always fired right up.

Paul

IMHO it's less a W-1 issue and more a design issue. With the intake and exhaust manifolds in such intimate contact you have a lot of heat transfer to the intake manifold and on to the carburetor. Even an insulating block between the carb & manifold won't stop the radiant heating from the hot exhaust manifold. Today's alcohol gas boils/evaporates more quickly than non alcohol gas so a hot carb means the gas will 'boil' & the fumes will pass into the intake runners giving you a rich mixture on restart. The restart then is similar to trying to start a hot engine using the choke. I've not found the magic bullet with my '38. A strong battery helps. I found that pressing only the start pedal while keeping my foot off of the gas pedal helps with my '38 (stops the accelerator pump from shooting more gas into an already rich intake). I've also discovered with my '38 that if I can get my business done and restart within 2-4 minutes the restart is easier because less vapor has entered the intake.

http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Troubleshooting.htm#Hardstarthot

Jon

Thank you. I have had issues with both cold and hot starting. This information is helpful. Now, with practice I will remember and starting will be less frustrating and sometimes embarrassing.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the words of wisdom. I will implement your advice. I am running pure gasoline, but I would infer that the boiling issue is still similar. I suppose learning how to start these old trucks in various situations is much like learning how to double clutch...eventually it becomes second nature.

Paul

I will sometimes leave my engine running at fast idle (using the hand throttle) if I know I'm going to be stopped for several minutes. The fast idle draws more air through the radiator to help keep the car from getting too hot while sitting still. Of course this depends on your circumstances, where you are, time of day, etc.. If you're in a high crime area or your vehicle will be out of site that's likely not a smart thing to do.

6 volt needs good clean connections. I was having warm start issues. Cleaned all cable and battery connections, and replaced old cables with 00 gauge. Starts perfectly now all the time.