The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Proper startup with a newly restored carburetor?

Hey everyone, I've just completed installing new engine parts on "Lucille". New fuel pump with built in gas filter, new SS fuel line to carburetor, new SS vacuum line from dizzy to carburetor and newly restored Carter W-1 carburetor.

I have a startup question. Since the carburetor hasn't seen any fuel yet, what would be the proper steps in getting it all fired up? I now have a properly hooked up choke and throttle connections.

All input will be greatly appreciated!

The easiest way is pour a little gas in the carb throat to "prime" it. Start it & keep pumping the gas pedal till it takes off on its own. Usually one time will do it.

Thank you George!

I was thinking that, but was concerned that air bubbles would get trapped somewhere in the system and create starting problems. I'm ready to get Lucille running again after making decisions to install period correct components. There was a Carter YF carburetor on her and I learned that the Carter W-1 was the historically correct one. I'm pleased with the looks of the right components and will try to fire her up tomorrow.

One thing is for sure, Lucille is a work in progress! AND she's a pretty lady!!

If this start up is on an engine that is not a brand new rebuild, just close the choke, turn the ignition on, and stomp on the floor starter. Your new pump should be able to fill the carburetor bowl very quickly and it should start right up.
Carl

Another opinion:

Before starting, take a "squeeze bottle" (empty mustard or ketchup bottle), wash well, and fill with gasoline. Use the squeeze spout to fill the carburetor through the bowl vent.

Why?

(1) Easier on the starting motor.
(2) May prevent future carburetor issues. Tests have shown that a mechanical fuel pump diaphragm under no load will flex approximately 0.030 more than under load. If the fuel pump has been on for some time, there may be "varnish" build-up on the diaphragm that will flake off due to the additional flex, and flow forward to the carburetor.

Jon.

OK folks, it's Lucille again!

Had a wonderful day today getting "Lucille" running again after installing her new historically correct components as I mentioned in my first post.

I purchased this re-manufactured Carter W-1 carburetor from some guys out in CA. Didn't exactly know what to expect once installed, however, today, once I cranked "Lucille" up the newly restored carb functioned beautifully! Just a little gas down the throat like Wrenchbender George told me and wham....Lucille was alive!!

Ran her 32 miles today on the good roads of Murphy, NC. The new carb and vacuum lines installed definitely helped her performance. The only thing I experienced that was negative was what I perceived as a hesitation on the acceleration pedal. Something is sticking down there and it may be something as simple as lubricating the linkage.

Anyway, just wanted to post an update with my experiment with an old Stovebolt.

Keep Stovebolting on!!