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| | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 14 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 14 | I have a 1953 Chevy truck. It has the original 216 engine and Rochester Carb. After it has been sitting over night or for long periods of time I am having problems starting it. Even with the choke fully out it has a hard time catching. If I take of the air filter and have my fiance cup her hand over the carburetor to restrict airflow it will start right up. My fiance is not happy about smelling like gas every time we need to use the truck. Any advice as to what the problem is and how I can fix it? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 14 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 14 | oh also, This is still 6 volt and I would like to keep it that way. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 | Clean and rebuild or replace the carb. Sounds like it is leaking the fuel out after it sits over night. Or the passage ways are stopped up. If it was recently rebuilt, the float may be too low and the carb not filling properly. Does it run okay after it is started?
Last edited by Roy Rodgers; 10/17/2011 3:16 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | Might want to check the fuel pump? I've seen the valve that prevents it to drain back cause cold start/hard start issues. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Are you sure the choke is closing all the way?
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | If the choke is closing properly, no amount of cupping with hands will make a difference. These sixes like full choke when cold starting. By cold I mean first time that day. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 | On the fuel pump issue... if this truck still has the Rochester carb the fuel pump can't drain it. The fill line goes in the top part of the carb, and the fuel falls into the bottom. There is an air gap between the fuel and the top of the carb so the fuel pump can't siphon the fuel back.
On more than one occaision I have placed my hand over the carb opening to help pull fuel into it. Works well, providing the truck doesn't back fire. And your hand will get a spray of fuel on it. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 253 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 253 | Are you giving the throttle 3 or 4 healthy pumps as well as chokeing it before you crank it over?
A little extra gas down the carb throat can make all the difference. My trucks that have carburetors on them will not start by choke alone I always have to pump the pedal a few times.
Last edited by sleeve; 10/18/2011 2:32 AM.
1945 Chevrolet G 506 1.5 Ton Military 4X4
1967 Jeep Cj5 with 283 SBC
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