Westart our car with starting fluid. If we let it sit for a week then try to start it without the fluin it wont start. But if you do it the day after or a couple days after you used the fluid it will start. After it is started it runs fine. So what could be the problem?
78 L82

 

Let it crank over for a few seconds to let the carb bowl re-fill ( the fuel that was in there a few days ago has evaporated) then step on the pedal to the floor so the accelerator pump can give the manifold a good shot of fuel and you'll set the choke, then crank it over again to actually start it. This is how life with a carburator is.

 

My car sits for weeks and generally starts right up.

Things to look for:

Leaky/worn fuel pump: If its internal seals/valves are working the gas should stay in the lines and up to the carb. If not, the lines will empty back into the tank and require long cranking to refill. Use a pressure gage and measure the fuel pressure and see if it "holds" after engine shutdown.

Leaky fuel filters/lines: Same as above, empty lines take longer to fill before the engine gets fuel.

Leaky carb body: If any defect in the carb allows the gas to run out it'll take longer to start. This can be bad for the engine since any raw fuel that runs into the engine can damage it.

Carb vent system allowing too much evaporation: Not sure of the year of your car, so the systems vary, but this can also empty the carb fuel bowls.

Car stored in a hot environment: This will accelerate evaporation of fuel in the carb.

Anything that empties the fuel system can cause the problem.

Hope this helps with things to look for.

And you may have a weak battery. I just had to replace my 8-year old battery and was amazed at how quickly the engine turned over and started after sitting 8 weeks. A worn starter could also contribute to the problem.

Andy

 

i posted 78 L82 so its a 1978

 

we replaced the seals in the carb