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| | | | Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 122 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 122 | Hi.
I have a 51 with a 1957 235 in it. Stock manifolds and the heat exchange spring works.
I installed a new Weber 32/36 with a manual choke that I bought from Langdon.
I adjusted the choke and the fast idle, but it doesn't start unless I hit the carb with starting fluid.
I installed a new metal inline fuel filter when I installed the carb.
I disconnect the fuel line and cranked the motor over - it pumps gas to the carb. I wanted to make sure the fuel pump was working.
I reconnect the fuel line and work the throttle and I do not see gas squirting in the carb.
If I try to start it has no gas to start. If I spray with starting fluid, it starts right up. The fast idle engages while it warms up and then it idles fine, drives fine. If I shut the engine off and try to start, it starts fine. When the truck sits and I'm guessing the fuel bowl empties, it has the same problem starting.
Do you guys think the float is stuck or that the accelerator pump isn't working properly?
I'm hoping someone can pinpoint the problem for me. The truck really runs great other than the starting.
Thanks,
Joe
1951 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton (1957 235, 4 speed, 411 rear)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Accelerator pump needs attention. Using ether starting routinely washes down cyl. walls. Use gasoline.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 122 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 122 | Thanks Ed. Yes, I have to agree gas is better than the starting fluid. But it's easier to carry a can of starting fluid, than a squeeze bottle in the cab. I'm hoping to fix this so I don't have to deal with it.
If it's the accelerator pump, is there a check ball or something between the bowl and pump reservoir that could be stuck?
Why does it work well when I'm driving?
1951 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton (1957 235, 4 speed, 411 rear)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,453 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,453 | If you have to give a rig some juice to fire off spray carb cleaner will do the trick just fine.
Not a big fan of starting fluid, see results from just a little too much.
BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 122 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 122 | BC - That's a good idea. I swapped my cab can out. The strting fluid I was using did state it had cylinder lubricants in it, for what it's worth. Ed - I think the float was stuck. I tapped the carb a few times and I'm getting fuel squirting now. It started right up this morning. Weird that I would have a stuck float on a new carb. Hopefully it was just a little gum residue from the long sit over the winter. I have found a source for non ethanol gas near me. This site is pretty good for finding those gas stations: https://www.pure-gas.org/.Thanks guys.
1951 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton (1957 235, 4 speed, 411 rear)
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