71 Cranks long time before starting
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodbury MN
71 Cranks long time before starting
Hey Guys,
I've had my 71 for 3 years now, and every time I start it cold, I need to crank it close to 10 seconds before it finally fires up. This can't be good for the starter. I'm pretty sure its a lack of fuel issue, any ideas on what needs to be checked, cleaned, replaced? Once it starts, I need to keep giving it a little gas for at least a couple of minutes otherwise it will die. Once its been running, it will stay running on its own, and will start up quickly.
Thanks!
I've had my 71 for 3 years now, and every time I start it cold, I need to crank it close to 10 seconds before it finally fires up. This can't be good for the starter. I'm pretty sure its a lack of fuel issue, any ideas on what needs to be checked, cleaned, replaced? Once it starts, I need to keep giving it a little gas for at least a couple of minutes otherwise it will die. Once its been running, it will stay running on its own, and will start up quickly.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
I agree with above....suggest spending some time and getting to know your carb. If you have the QJet, suggest using Lar's instructions on how to setup the choke. Once done you will be amazed at the difference in starting manner.
Now if you have a Holley......well....good luck with it.
Now if you have a Holley......well....good luck with it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 134
From: Blanco County, TX
In addition to what's be said about the choke, if it's been sitting for a week or more your bowl might be empty or near empty.. Typically the gaskets are not impermeable. It takes a few cranks to get gas in the carb. 10 seconds seems like a long time, but 5 is about what it takes to get mine going when its been sitting. If I ran in the past few days it'll fire up cold very quickly. Have you checked the fuel pump pressure?
I don't think I'd worry about the starter. A typical DD gets three or four starts a day, every day. If you're only doing ten seconds a week, you are probably getting less time on the starter motor than a DD does.
I don't think I'd worry about the starter. A typical DD gets three or four starts a day, every day. If you're only doing ten seconds a week, you are probably getting less time on the starter motor than a DD does.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
I have to agree that it sounds like a choke issue. If it were the fuel bowls being empty, once it started you should not have to keep giving it fuel as you stated, where as if it is a choke condition, you would have to supplement fuel to the motor until it warms up. Also the choke would not be a factor after the motor has been started previously.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
THE Most common Q-jet problem. Fuel leaks out of the bowls. Other than fixing it, if you quickly nail the pedal about 10 times before you start it the first time, it will usually start pretty quickly.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
try this starting style .....and look at the choke in this weather if you are hot like the rest of us it should be open....wellmaybe not in MN
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodbury MN
Thanks Guys
Hey, thanks for all of the great advise. It is a quadrajet. As you know, its not a critical issue at this time, just something I've always meant to address. I'll probably wait for a rainy weekend, then start assessing the choke situation. I've never worked on a Carb before, so it should be a fun learning experience.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,389
Likes: 83
From: Norfolk Virginia
Kit Installation
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
empty bowl.
I removed choke from my qjet ('71 w/ points).
I crank it (without trying to start) and when I see oil pressure gage move.
Then I pat the gas pedal & it starts ... and pat it a bit more until it'll idle ... all part of "the experience." I appreciate its "character" & how unlike it is compared to my other mundane cars.
have no starter/battery issues.
I removed choke from my qjet ('71 w/ points).
I crank it (without trying to start) and when I see oil pressure gage move.
Then I pat the gas pedal & it starts ... and pat it a bit more until it'll idle ... all part of "the experience." I appreciate its "character" & how unlike it is compared to my other mundane cars.
have no starter/battery issues.
