Specs - '81, ZZ4 with new (as of 2003) E4ME computer controlled carb.

Current Cold Starting procedure - 1 pump of gas pedal to floor, then turn key. Engine cranks for 3-4 seconds then fires, then dies (sometimes it chugs for a couple seconds, sometimes it dies instantly). Pop hood, get out, remove air filter cover, and shove a tire gague into the primary blade to open it up; turn key engine fires and idles fine.

Historical (~ 4 Years) Cold Starting procedure - 1 pump of gas pedal to floor, then turn key. Engine cranks for 3-4 seconds then fires. I would have to gently 'pedal it' for 5-10 seconds as it chugs to keep it running , then it would idle perfectly.

Warm starting continues to be and has always been nearly instantaneous.

My vaccuum hoses appear to be in good condition; connections are firm - I don't believe its a vaccuum leak.

I think it's a faulty or mis-adjusted Choke pull off.

Questions -
Can the timing of these pull offs be adjusted? If so, how?
Should I get a new one?
If I put a new one on, do I have to adjust other carb settings?

Other than the cold start issue, I have a relatively trouble-free car. I'm hesitant to dig too deep into the carb for fear of disturbing other perfectly adjusted settings. Having recently moved to the Kansas City area, I trust a grand total of zero mechanics around here!

Any thoughts?

 

Post a photo of your choke assembly..as it looks before you try to crank it...and after it runs for a few seconds and dies...unless the choke plate looks the same in both conditions...then post one photo. Also try to get the photo so that I can see the side of the choke assembly along with the closed choke plate.

Your fast idle adjustment may be off also....which will "pull off" when it warms up.
"DUB"

 

My choke plate was sticking in the vertical position. The bottom was sticking to the 'ridge' between the primaries.

 

Grandmastercorvette, Attfay Elleybay,

Unable to post pics - a description should suffice.

My choke plate moved to full closed as I pushed the gas pedal before initial attempt to start. After the engine would start then die, the plate remained full closed. That is when I would manually prop it open for the second start which would always work.

As a carb rookie, I originally misinterpreted where the choke pull-off timer adjust was. After further study of a parts diagram and google pictures, I found the right component. I was able to rotate the black plate clockwise from one dot lean to three dots lean.

It starts perfectly hot or cold now. Do you suppose the coil is showing age from heat cycling?

Thank you for your posts.