67 L36 hard to start

[John R.]

Can anyone help me determine why my 67, L36, does not want to start very quickly? What should I check/change, etc? This usually occurs when it is not started frequently. Once it is hot it starts immediately. By not started frequently, I mean if I wait a month to start it. Gas is flowing through the carb, just does not want to start without excessive cranking. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

Mine does the same thing. Its the nature of the beast. I assume it will start well after an overnight......

[William C.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

Very good chance with today's fuels that the 30 days it sets is plenty of time for the fuel in the car to evaporate. causing the bowls to need to be refueled by the pump while cranking. Takes some time... Other things to check are fuel filters (clog over time).

[Duke W.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

You also want to make sure that the choke is operating properly. See your CSM.

Duke

[Michael G.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

I have the same engine set up on my '66 which does some sitting for periods of time. To aid in the startup and to save wear and tear on the starter I always prime the carb before cranking the engine. There's a good possiblity that although you may pump the accelerator pedal, no real amount of fuel is squirted into the intake. By priming that issue is resolved with mine firing within a rotation or two. Might give it a try.

[Mike T.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

John - As already mentioned by Duke, it could be the choke, have you watched the choke butterfly close when you initially hit the gas pedal and it's released? Does it pull-back-off a little bit once it does fire up? I was about to say that after sitting a month or so, it's going to take a while for the gas to get to and fill up the carb but you did say that the 'gas is flowing' so the choke would be the next place to look.

[John R.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

Thanks for the help. I have not checked the operation of the choke, but will to see if that is the problem. If it is working correctly, sounds like I should just prime it real good before cranking. Thanks again everyone for the help,

[Jim T.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

My 68 has a Holley carb, not original, however I know fuel evaporates, so after it has sat a spell I remove the air cleaner and just the filter. I then inject multiple syringe fillings of fresh gasoline directly into the Holley's front vent hole and then a good squirt of fresh gasoline from the syringe onto the primary throttle blades and install the air filter and lid. I press the gas pedal once and it starts right up. This procedure saves wear and tear on my started and for me is just routine.

[Michael G.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

My 68 has a Holley carb, not original, however I know fuel evaporates, so after it has sat a spell I remove the air cleaner and just the filter. I then inject multiple syringe fillings of fresh gasoline directly into the Holley's front vent hole and then a good squirt of fresh gasoline from the syringe onto the primary throttle blades and install the air filter and lid. I press the gas pedal once and it starts right up. This procedure saves wear and tear on my started and for me is just routine.

Say Jim......your process sound errily familar to mine. You been look'n over my shoulder.

[John F.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

My 68 has a Holley carb, not original, however I know fuel evaporates, so after it has sat a spell I remove the air cleaner and just the filter. I then inject multiple syringe fillings of fresh gasoline directly into the Holley's front vent hole and then a good squirt of fresh gasoline from the syringe onto the primary throttle blades and install the air filter and lid. I press the gas pedal once and it starts right up. This procedure saves wear and tear on my started and for me is just routine.

Same, only rather than a syringe I use an applicator bottle to refill the primary before starting.

http://www.amazon.com/Soft-Style-Applicator-Bottle-oz/dp/B001MP7I2A

[Ronald L.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

Use 110 octane racing fuel that does not have alcohol in it. Works like a charm.

[Jim T.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

Michael this procedure works very well. The 68's engine is a 327/350 L79 and starts immediately. If I know I am not going to be driving the 68 for a few days I also remove the air cleaner lid and install rubber plugs over the Holley's vertical vents to reduce evaporation. Sometimes the 68 may sit for a couple weeks. I have not forgot to remove the plugs yet since I use the syringe method to add fresh fuel after a non-use period.

[Jim T.]

Re: 67 L36 hard to start

John your applicator bottle is a good method in not having to use multiple refills when using a small syringe. I have a real small funnel I can use to fill an applicator bottle with fresh fuel. A mustard container was thrown in the trash yesterday will work after a good cleaning and drying period.