Slow Start - More

[dave lowry]

Today I was given another possible explanation for the hard starting
problem discussed here last week. The mechanic (who hasn't touched it yet)
believes the filter in the carburetor may be the type that has a check
valve to prevent the fuel line from draining back to the tank, and that if
it is, either the check valve may have failed or the filter may be in
backwards. I don't remember that being mentioned as a possible cause. Might
he be right?

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[dave lowry]

>Its best to remove the filter from the inlet of the quadrajet anyway as
>they dont work well. Put another inline one in.
>
>tom
>

>>Today I was given another possible explanation for the hard starting
>>problem discussed here last week. The mechanic (who hasn't touched it yet)
>>believes the filter in the carburetor may be the type that has a check
>>valve to prevent the fuel line from draining back to the tank, and that if
>>it is, either the check valve may have failed or the filter may be in
>>backwards. I don't remember that being mentioned as a possible cause. Might
>>he be right?
>>
>>Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

Thanks for your response Tom, but it didn't answer my question. I knew
about the benefits of replacing the little inlet filter with an in-line
one, and will do just that. What I'm trying to learn is whether or not
there's supposed to be a check valve in the filter (or any place, for that
matter) to prevent the gas from flowing back down to the tank. I'd just
like to know if I'm dealing with someone who knows what he's talking about.

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[peter brandt]

> Thanks for your response Tom, but it didn't answer my question. I knew
> about the benefits of replacing the little inlet filter with an in-line
> one, and will do just that. What I'm trying to learn is whether or not
> there's supposed to be a check valve in the filter (or any place, for that
> matter) to prevent the gas from flowing back down to the tank. I'd just
> like to know if I'm dealing with someone who knows what he's talking
about.
>
> Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

Dave,

Even if fuel in the fuel line somehow drains back through the pump into the
tank, there should be enough fuel in the carb float bowl to prime and start
the engine. Removing the carburetor inlet filter or check valve should not
cause long cranking, IMHO.

Peter
77 Eleganza II
Colorado

 

[dave lowry]

Thanks Peter, Arch & Walt

So it sounds like I'm pretty much back where I started. That is, rebuild
the carb or add the aux. fuel pump.

Thanks again.

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[peter brandt]

> Peter
>
> If there is fuel in the bowl I can agree. Before I blocked off the cross
overs
> there was so much heat on top of the engine that I can believe that it
> is possible to boil the fuel out of the carb. I do not know this to be
fact.
> Sure would like to see some pics of carb insulator plate.
>
> Take Care
> Arch

Good point, Arch - it does get hot up there! I wonder if the stock engine
cover still fits with the insulator plate installed.

Peter
77 Eleganza II
Colorado

 

[dave lowry]

>In a message dated 8/14/00 10:55:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time,

>
>>
>There is a little rubber jabozmo on the end of the filter which is the check
>valve. If you check out a new filter it should have what looks like a black
>rubber washer on one end. that's it.
>Mark
>
Thanks Mark. That is exactly what I was looking for.

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[dave lowry]

>Dave, what makes you think it is a fuel problem that makes it slow start?
>Does it only happen after you have been sitting for awhile? Does it only
>happen after you sit with a hot engine? There are other things that can cause
>a slow start and a competant mechanic can really help with hands on effort.
>Just .02 Dean
>
Yep. Only when it has sat at least overnight.

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[peter brandt]

> Yep. Only when it has sat at least overnight.
>
> Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

Dave,

As others have pointed out, there are many possible causes for your long
cranking, slow start problem. One thing that's easy to check is the choke. I
know it doesn't get all that cold in Santa Barbara, but after sitting
overnight the engine needs a functional choke for cold start and idle.
With the engine cold, take off the top of your air filter housing and watch
the choke "butterfly" while depressing the accelerator - it shold move to
the closed position.

Your problem shouldn't be too hard to figure out for a good mechanic who
still remembers the old carburetors and ignition systems

Peter
77 Eleganza II
Colorado