[C2] '67 Starting Problems
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 529
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'67 Starting Problems
My '67 with a 427/390hp engine is having starting problems (I think). I try to start my car every week or two even if I'm not going to drive it just to let it warm up. It usually turns right over and runs fine for about 5 seconds and then dies. I immediately turn it over again and it idles perfectly. Is this normal for an old carbureted car or is there something going on here?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,188
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Don’t start it unless your going to drive it. Your doing more harm then good. But it doesn’t sound like your choke is working correctly
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
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The first thing you should do is STOP starting it unless you want to go for a drive and get the engine fully warmed up for at least 20 minutes. There is absolutely no need to do what you are doing and you are doing more harm than good. The engine will sleep comfortably indoors for months with no harm .
It's not clear to me from your narrative what happens the second start attempt.
After sitting you can use an irrigation syringe to inject fuel into the front bowl through the vent, or prior to doing the cold start procedure crank the engine over 8-10 times without touching the throttle. THEN go through the cold start procedure in your owner's manual. If it starts but then loses revs an appears to be heading for a stall, give it some throttle.
Check that your choke and fast idle are set per the '66 CSM.
Duke
It's not clear to me from your narrative what happens the second start attempt.
After sitting you can use an irrigation syringe to inject fuel into the front bowl through the vent, or prior to doing the cold start procedure crank the engine over 8-10 times without touching the throttle. THEN go through the cold start procedure in your owner's manual. If it starts but then loses revs an appears to be heading for a stall, give it some throttle.
Check that your choke and fast idle are set per the '66 CSM.
Duke
Race Director
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
If you can take the time to start it, let it idle, you can take it out and drive it, unless there is a logistical problem. Letting it sit does more harm in unseen ways. The next issue you will probably have will be leaking brake calipers....very common on Vette stored rather than driven. 
Dennis
Dennis
Last edited by Bluestripe67; Jul 9, 2021 at 02:14 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,188
Likes: 9,476
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
My '67 with a 427/390hp engine is having starting problems (I think). I try to start my car every week or two even if I'm not going to drive it just to let it warm up. It usually turns right over and runs fine for about 5 seconds and then dies. I immediately turn it over again and it idles perfectly. Is this normal for an old carbureted car or is there something going on here?
- What is your starting procedure regarding pumps on the accelerator pedal prior to and after turning the key?
- When it starts, is the idle high (1200-1500rpm) as it should be? If not your choke isn't setting and the dying is a normal consequence.
- If you keep your foot on the accelerator to maintain a higher idle (again, ~1500 rpm) does it die at this rpm or only if you let your foot off?
- Are you saying that after the first 5-second run, the car will start on the second try and curb idle at ~600 rpm with no further issues?
- Are you running the factory-style Holley (#3810/3811) or an aftermarket "upgrade" carb?
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