[DoneInAMinute]

Hey all, I've got a 454 BB in my '72 with a 4150 on top with no choke. If I let it sit for a week or so it gets to be a pain to start again (about 15-20 sec of turnover) and my battery is not really up to it. I've tried all different techniques of pumping the gas pedal before/during etc and have gotten it as good as it's going to get with my current setup. Before I spring for a new battery I'd like to optimize my startup time. Right now I'm just running a stock-style Napa mechanical fuel pump. If I bumped up to an Edelbrock or the like with a higher flow, would that help get it fired up faster? What about an electric pump? I'm unsure if I have the skill to install a choke, which I know would probably be optimal. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

[Twins Fan]

Sounds just like mine (BBC w/no choke). I have the good Carter 172 fuel pump on mine. I'd say don't worry about it. JMHO...

 

[442 Harv]

I would check the carb, and fix it first. It is probably leaking, and take time to pump the carb back full of gas. I have a 70 442 that does the same thing, I keep saying, I need to fix, but don't get around to it.

 

[DoneInAMinute]

Well the thing is that the car runs like an absolute champion. Once it gets started and warm it will idle at 650 rpm all day long so I don't really want to touch it if I don't have to.

 

[Cameano]

Next time you go to start it, remove the air cleaner first, get over the carb with a flashlight, and pump the gas. Pump it until you see some fuel from the squirters. It might be that there is some fuel in the carb, but the fuel in the accelerator pump circuit is evaporated. If it takes 3-4 pumps to start fuel flowing, remember that, and give it 4-5 pumps the next week, see if it works. If no fuel is in the carb, take a look at options discussed in this thread.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346485

 

[Keith Tedford]

I had the same problem with our L78 engine when it sat for a week. I installed a GM heat shield under the intake and blocked off the heat crossover. For mine, it was a matter of too much heat to the carb and the gas was boiling off once the car was parked. The engine is due for an anti-freeze flush and I will go to a 180 degree thermostat and carb heat shield as well. If you are running a Holley, after the car has sat for the week or so, pull one of the bottom float bowl screws and see how much gas comes out.