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The following occured (couple of times): 1. Engine starts fine on the first try. 2. I drive the car about 30 minutes. 3. I park the car outside and turn it off. 4. After 1-2 minutes I try to start the engine. 5. The engine doesn't turn. 6. After 2-3 tries it does turn, but not easy. 7. I floor the throttle pedal and turn the key. 8. The engine starts again, and it runs fine...
What is the problem here? I have no idea.
ALSO:
My work on the front suspension is still not done, so the front of the car is still in the air and I have lots of space.
Should I replace the fuel pump? (It seems original.) Or should I leave it alone?
Just to clarify..
#5 / 6 it cranks slowly? Or cranks over ok and just does not start? Timing off?
no i would not just replace fuel pump, especially now. Test it if needed.
year? Ambient temperature when it happened?
- It cranks slowly. Specs: 1977 - L48 - No emissions (all deleted) - original Qjet - HEI - TH350 - true dual with headers.
Degrees when it happened (several days): 70-80 °F
Looks like one of the fuel lines is ready to start a fire.
And one hose clamp is just sleeping there.
I would toss all three clamps and look on European EBay for stainless clamps that do not damage the rubber. Usually found associated with fuel injection parts.
They are a little more money but a much better design.
Your hard cranking issue sounds like starter "heat-soak". More specifically, Solenoid heat soak.
Is a heat shield used on your car? Excessive heat, which C3s have plenty of, like to fry those solenoids. Contacts inside may or may not make the circuit complete.
A fairly simple fix if your starter is still in good condition, is to swap out the solenoid only. But instead of a cheap stock unit look for a brown end cap which signifies its ceramic. That style handles the heat much better, double the money.
A starter blanket or wrap, made of heat resistant material is an excellent replacement for the stock shield.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Mar 18, 2023 at 07:18 PM.
Trouble starting back up + Fuel pump
