54 side draft carbs

[Brad H.]

Who on the hotline is a noted carb Guru on these carbs, would love to get these to start at three of four cranks, everything has been adjusted to specs, floats, chokes,etc, starts quick if shot with starter fluid, can I adjust the screws in or out, (which ones), on top to richen or lean the mix until I get it, or what do you do for a final and quick pop, when these old 6's dont pop quick they usually drag down the battery quick, any help would be highly appreciated. Thanks again, Brad. (I smell turkey)

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

Any side draft carb guys around that have delt with this same late starting on their 54s, maybe just a well try this and then,??? Thanks again, Brad.

[Randy G.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

I don't think you'll find the side draft carbs starting like V8's because the carbs don't have the conventional accelerator pumps dumping fuel down the manifold. If you are running a restoration battery they don't have a lot of cranking amps. I picked up a commercial 6 volt battery for mine at Napa ($80.00) and it is rated at about 800 amps, which is about 40% more.

[Brett H.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

It will take more than a few turns of the engine. Several. The bowls must fill up first. Buy an Optima 6 volt battery. That'll get you cranking faster.

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

Thanks guys, I run an 8 volt in mine when not judged, yep, Reg is set to that, and yes they need good charge occasionally. Thanks again, still looking for that carb guru to chime in, most 54s I talk to say there car starts in 3-5 cranks, I would like that, vs. 10-12.

[Jim L.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

..... most 54s I talk to say there car starts in 3-5 cranks, I would like that, vs. 10-12.

Are you meaning 3 - 5 engine revolutions (versus 10 - 12 revolutions)? Or do you mean you have to engage the starter multiple times?

FWIW, when I drive my '54 often enough for fuel to remain in the bowls, I'd estimate that it starts in about 10 engine revolutions. It's done this for the 40 years its been in the family. Seems normal to me.

Jim

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

Yes Jim, sorry, I mean revolutions, I would like it to pop quicker than 10 but if that is a norm then ok. Thanks, Brad.

[Dan D.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

I drove my 54 for a full year (in1961) with the 6 cyl. The car was early enough production to have the 3 separate air cleaners (not the dual pot).

It always started very easy - as I remember not more than 3 revolutions. The carbs never flooded, never leaked gas, never caused any trouble, and always ran good. I never had to work on them, so unfortunately I cannot help you on servicing them - except I can tell you they can be made to start and run very well. -Dan-

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 side draft carbs

Dan, that is what I want to hear of a guy (or gal) that has adjusted their carbs and get a quick start and great running (mine runs great) and the process of this, my mechanic has done the floats and all the adjustments by the book, we havent tried to fine tune the quickness of start yet that is why I wonder if if is just a screw adjustment on top to lean or richen the mix? Anybody else on this know what I Mean? Thanks again,Brad.