1954 Carburetor problem

[David W.]

My 1954 after sitting for a day or so, won't start unless I give it a "puff" of starting fluid. Then it will start right up with out a choke and no throttle. After starting it runs normally. Does the fuel in the bowls leak back some how?? I set one float level a bit higher in case the level was too low, but didn't help. Help! Dave

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Is this new behavior or has it always required a spritz of starting fluid?


My '54 starts cold easily after a day or after weeks if I:

1. Pull the choke all the way out

2. Crank the engine (amount of cranking time depends on whether carbs are dry or not)

3. Push the choke all the way in at the INSTANT the engine catches.

(You might try this technique and report back how it works for you.)



BTW: Hot starting is even simpler: Turn the key to START


Note: I NEVER EVER pump the accelerator. Doing so will guarantee difficult starting, cold or hot.


Jim

[David W.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Hi, Jim...It has been reluctant to start for several years, but up until this year, it would start with full choke and lengthy cranking. Now, if I try to start it within 24 hours of the last run, it will, fire with full choke and with the choke all the way in (off) it would start and run. Any longer without running, requires the starting fluid. With just a very short burst of starting fluid, I can reach in and turn the ignition switch and it will start and idle normally with no choke applied. I have checked for vacuum leaks, and found none. Thanks for the suggestions. Dave

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Dave,

Does your '54 have resistor plugs and resistor wires? If so consider changing either or both to the non-resistor variety.

When we first got our '54 40+ years ago it was difficult to start reliably. Changing the plug wires to the solid core variety made a meaningful improvement. I wouldn't hesitate to also get rid of the resistor plugs if need be, but so for that hasn't been necessary.

Jim

[David W.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Yes to both questions...resistor plugs and wires. They will dampen out the refirings which maybe I need for a good spark. I'll try to find some non-resistor pieces. Thanks again for your help Dave

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Have you checked your fuel pressure?
How old is the fuel pump

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Yes to both questions...resistor plugs and wires. They will dampen out the refirings which maybe I need for a good spark. I'll try to find some non-resistor pieces. Thanks again for your help Dave

Um, not quite. The purpose of the resistance in the wires and plugs is to reduce current which, in turn, reduces the magnetic field surrounding the wires. Reducing the magnetic field, in turn, reduces noise in the radio. (The shielding around the distributor and plug wires contains the electric field which is a function of the Voltage in the wires. Keeping the electric field contained also contributes to a reduction in radio noise.)

But back on topic.... solid core wires are commonly available at NAPA. Delco no longer offers non-resistor plugs but other companies do.... Champion comes to mind. A quick on-line search suggests that a Champion J12YC is equivalent to a Delco 45S, a non-resistor plug and a good choice for our '54s.

Good luck,

Jim

[David W.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Good suggestion, Chris. The pump is about two years old on a rebuild, but only about 2000 miles. I'll check it out. Thanks for the suggestions. Dave

[David W.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Thanks for the info, Jim. I'll check on the non resistor parts. Dave

[David W.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

Not sure my first attempt at a reply really went. So here goes again. I replaced the resistor plugs with J12YC today, and after about 10 seconds cranking with full choke it caught and continued to run normally. Guess there was too much resistance in the system. Thanks for you help. Dave

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 Carburetor problem

I'm very glad to know the non-resistor plugs helped, Dave.

Might not hurt to check the rest of the ignition system.... how old is the coil? Are the points in good condition? Is the condenser newish? That sort of thing.

Jim