64 Thunderbird, hard starting

[hulowski]

Hey guys, ive been checking out this forum for a while now, but this is my first post. I have a 64 thunderbird with a 390, which someone swapped out the 4 bbl carb with a 2 bbl carb and intake (was like that when i bought it).

Since ive had the car, it has always had really extended cranking/pumpage before it would start. When its cold it seems to start better actually, but if im driving it for a bit then stop, even for just 2 minutes, it seems like i have to crank it and pump the gas for about 30 seconds.

Ive done lots of work to the car, lots of gaskets, rebuilt the carb (well, my dad did), plugs, wires, fuel filter, re-timed it, and it still does it. It has had this problem since i bought it, and after the repairs.

Any ideas where i should check?

Thanks

 

[verdejor]

sounds like choke settings if everything else is correct. do you have the electric choke or the original heat choke on the car?

either way, take note of the original choke setting now on the car.... the car may need a little more rich mix in order to startup... SO lossen the choke screws and turn the choke about 2 "clicks or lines" the the right and try to start car DO NOT force car to start up like you have been (remember, we are trying to FIX that problem).. If it does't crank up; depress the gas pedal for a few seconds (don't pump the gas, just hold down for a few secs)-- go to the carb and turn the choke again a little more....

NOTE: Do not force the choke to turn....if you do, the coil inside may bend too much or break, then you'll need a new choke.

next I'd do if this doesn't fix it is give the car 1-2 degrees timing more (NO MORE) if the car starts right up, no pinging, overheating, any issues whatsoever; great...otherwise go back to square 1;;; reset the carb and anything else you did ---YOU DID TAKE NOTES OF ALL ADJUSTMENTS RIGHT? (I'm not yelling, just re-iterating lol)

good luck!

 

[boaterbob]

I agree with the timing check, Marks are not always correct on older cars. Sounds like your not getting enough fuel if you have to pump. Lines away from the block and water pump? Spacer under carb?

 

[verdejor]

Did you get this figured out? Mr boaterbob is also correct, you didn't mention if you have the stock spacer installed or removed/etc... If that spacer is removed, the carb gets very hot (these engine's manifold is a stove in my opinion) and you get a fuel block of gases in the line for some reason which cause a hard start. if you or someone else removed it, put it back on or get a 1 inch "fancy-plastic" spacer.. (really don't know what they're composed of)---same thing happens if your lines are touching the water pump/any hot engine component...the fuel evaporates quickly. Not to mention fire hazzard. I'm planning on running a hard line from carb down to fron't hard line (not fully hard line, just enough to look preety and get out of the way of heat.

either way, good luck.