The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Start up issues with 216

This afternoon I decided to head out to our local cruise in to enjoy the warm weather break before we head back into winter for a bit. I did my usual routine as I have done for the past few years. I pulled out the choke, pushed the pedal down about half way, turned the key, and hit the starter. Always starts right up , even last week. Not this afternoon. It fired up and immediately died before I could even touch the choke. Then it acted like it was flooded. I finally got it started after holding the pedal to the floor and cranking the starter for a while. I thought it was a fluke, but it did it again as I was getting ready to leave the cruise in. What are the most likely culprits? It ran fine once it got past the start issue. Clear fuel filter showed good fuel flow to carb.

What carb on the 216 ? It may be something like some dirt ,or sticking needle valve or float issue .There are a few carb Gurus on here so one of them will help .

The usual, Rochester 1 bbl. The fuel filter shows no rust or dirt particles. I had problems in the past with rust from the fuel line causing the needle valve to not fully seat, so I’m familiar with that problem. That usually causes gas to pour all over the manifolds. Not fun, especially when the exhaust manifold is fully warmed up. I’ll do a little investigating this afternoon to see if there is anything obvious.

I think starting by checking needle/seat/float makes sense. Make sure float doesn’t have a pinhole leak.

Over time, any float level will creep up a little- - - -just enough to get the fuel in the float bowl slightly above the venturi. While the engine is running that's not a problem, but once it's stopped a little fuel will trickle into the intake and cause a temporary flooding condition. Thy lowering the float about 1/16" below the factory setting.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry, I will give it a whirl.