Reliable Starting Recommendations
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Reliable Starting Recommendations
Hi all,
I got my 1976 L-48 about 6 months ago, and while I love it to death it is incredibly unreliable when I try to start it. So far I've replaced the spark plugs, which helped a little bit, but still about 60% of the time I have to give up and just try again tomorrow.
I do have spark every time, and the choke works (but probably needs adjusting).
My question is this:
I will have time to finally tear into it this month, and when I do, what should I repair/adjust/replace/upgrade to make it as reliable as possible? It's been so frustrating that I want to hit it with everything I can. I'm sure there are a lot of things that will make a difference. I'm not new to car mechanics but I AM new to carbureted engines. Any and all ideas are very welcome.
I've already learned a million things on this forum seeing as I consult it every other day, so thanks for all of your knowledge!
I got my 1976 L-48 about 6 months ago, and while I love it to death it is incredibly unreliable when I try to start it. So far I've replaced the spark plugs, which helped a little bit, but still about 60% of the time I have to give up and just try again tomorrow.
I do have spark every time, and the choke works (but probably needs adjusting).
My question is this:
I will have time to finally tear into it this month, and when I do, what should I repair/adjust/replace/upgrade to make it as reliable as possible? It's been so frustrating that I want to hit it with everything I can. I'm sure there are a lot of things that will make a difference. I'm not new to car mechanics but I AM new to carbureted engines. Any and all ideas are very welcome.
I've already learned a million things on this forum seeing as I consult it every other day, so thanks for all of your knowledge!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
A cold start should require nothing more than floor the accelerator once and release and then turn the key. In cold weather you may have to floor it two or even three times.
If that doesn't start it there's something wrong.
If that doesn't start it there's something wrong.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Whatever is broken, worn out or misadjusted. Guessing will get very frustrating and expensive. Find out what's wrong before changing anything. These engines are very very simple compared to today's equivalent.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Exactly. You have to set the choke mechanically. No computer to do the work for you.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Atlas is shrugging KC, MO area
When the engine is cold, make sure the choke slams shut when you open the throttle. If it doesn't shut tite, the engine will be hard to start unless you pump the accelerator. IOW the choke must be adjusted properly.
Also check to make sure that the accelerator pump squirts gas when the throttle is opened which is also a req't for a cold start.
Also check to make sure that the accelerator pump squirts gas when the throttle is opened which is also a req't for a cold start.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
#1. Verify that the accelerator pump in the carb is squirting fuel into the primary venturi as you pump the throttle (once). If that isn't happening, you will never get the car started "comfortably".
#2. Adjust the choke on your carb correctly, depending on what carb/choke system you have. If you have a stock setup, refer to the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual in the 'Fuel System' section for detailed instructions.
#3. Put key in ignition, turn key to "ON".
#4. Pump accelerator pedal ONE TIME all the way to the floor and back.
#5. Turn key to "START". If all is set right with engine/carb/ignition, the engine should start just fine.
If you don't know that #1 and #2 are functioning correctly, forget it.
#2. Adjust the choke on your carb correctly, depending on what carb/choke system you have. If you have a stock setup, refer to the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual in the 'Fuel System' section for detailed instructions.
#3. Put key in ignition, turn key to "ON".
#4. Pump accelerator pedal ONE TIME all the way to the floor and back.
#5. Turn key to "START". If all is set right with engine/carb/ignition, the engine should start just fine.
If you don't know that #1 and #2 are functioning correctly, forget it.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Check for fuel percolation.After shutdown wait a few minutes to see if fuel is boiling out of the bowls and down the carb throat.Your fuel bowl will be empty the next time you try to start it.The starter will have to crank awhile until the fuel pump can fill the carb bowl before the engine will start.Had this problem on my 76 with L48.If this is your problem you'll need to install a heat shield and thicker gaskets-spacer.
Last edited by iokepakai; Jun 18, 2012 at 03:58 PM.