The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Starting procedure

Just about done with my first resto of a 37 1/2 ton. Have a 1957 235 with Rochester BC. When starting should the accelerate be pumped before engaging the starter? Since I have been driving new trucks with fuel injection have not driven a older vehicle since the 70's. If my memory serves me right that's what was done with a carberated engine. Any tips will help a new guy to these old trucks. Thank you Bill

I think that I pumped it once (slowly, to the floor - then, release) - but, my memory is a little dim because I have not started it in over 3 years.

Bill,
My best advice is to try starting it with different procedures and see what works best. When I had a Rochester carb on my 235, all I did when the engine was cold was to pull the choke out most of the way and it fired right up without any pumping on the gas pedal. As soon as it started I would ease the choke most of the way in and drive off; opening the choke completely in the first mile. My Carter takes a little different procedure.
Lee.

It depends on how cold it is too. I give it a pump or two, and choke pulls a little easier if you hold the throttle partway down. It starts right now, and runs like it's fuel injected, with the heat riser working. If it doesn't start in less than 5 seconds I did something wrong. This is on an original 1950 216 with only 2500 miles on it.

Yes, hold the throttle partway down, as described by 4100 Fire Truck (thanks for the correction/addition).

If my memory serves me correctly, the reason to pump the accelerator first is to set an automatic choke. Unless you have a carburetor with an automatic choke there is no need to pump first. Just pull the choke if cold, which will also cam the throttle up slightly. You can also use the throttle cable to up the throttle. Another point is that once hot, and the truck sets for 10-15 minutes, you may have difficulty getting the engine to start. This is especially true in AZ summertime in the low deserts. I give credit to Carbking and his website for informing us that you must depress the throttle open (don't pump) to start a hot engine that has set awhile, causing perculation of gas down the carb. You need more air, thus the open throttle, to get the engine to fire.
Kent

Yes, hold the throttle-pedal part way down, as described by 4100 Fire Truck (thanks for the correction/addition).

Bill said it's a model BC. The C means automatic choke.

For automatic choke, you should have to press the pedal once to allow the spring on the carb to close the choke and set the fast idle cam.

Thanks to everyone who replyed. Temps are supposed to be in the 40's here in the U.P. of Michigan so going to pull out of garage and do some starting tests. Bill

I give mine 2 or 3 taps but not to the floor. No taps at all for the rest of the day.