Hard start

[60K T/A]

When I let my car sit the fuel drains back into the tank now. It never did this before. Before I garaged it (stored for 18 years) it always fired on the first click no matter how long it sat.  It's got me stumped?? BTW I just took it out after another 5 years in the garage.

[Chryco Psycho]

the fuel is very different now m with alcohol etc it will evaporate very quickly

[1 Wild R/T]

the fuel is very different now m with alcohol etc it will evaporate very quickly

Exactly, it's not draining back it's evaporating.... Fuel these days is tailored to work well with fuel injection, carbs aren't a consideration.... EFI keeps the fuel under pressure so it can't evaporate....

[cudabob496]

if sat for 5 years, I wouldn't run on that fuel

[dodj]

if sat for 5 years, I wouldn't run on that fuel

[60K T/A]

Each time I stored it I ran the carbs dry.  But I guess I don't have to do that any more. Just let it evaporate.

[rUNCHARGER]

You can fix it by using an electric fuel pump but they look ugly and make noise. I hand primed my Hemi carbs for about the last 7 or 8 years. If you wind the engine over on the starter for awhile to get fuel to the carbs it raises another issue, the lack of zddp in modern oils which will contribute to lifter/camshaft failure.

Sheldon

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

Doesn't the stock mechanical fuel pump have an internal check valve built in? I'm pretty sure my 340 has one...?

[HP_Cuda]

Well I think electric pumps are bad ass!!! 

[60K T/A]

You can fix it by using an electric fuel pump but they look ugly and make noise. I hand primed my Hemi carbs for about the last 7 or 8 years. If you wind the engine over on the starter for awhile to get fuel to the carbs it raises another issue, the lack of zddp in modern oils which will contribute to lifter/camshaft failure.

Sheldon

I prime my engine by funneling fuel down the carbs to help prevent dry start (PITA). I also use a 50/50 mix of Red Line 5/40 syn and Valvoline VR1 20/50. This also helps to prevent premature wear at start up. The only way I would consider  an elec. fuel pump is if I could install it in the tank.

[60K T/A]

Doesn't the stock mechanical fuel pump have an internal check valve built in? I'm pretty sure my 340 has one...?

Good Point!

[1 Wild R/T]

Good Point!

There are inlet check valves & outlet check valves... But that doesn't change the fact the fuel evaporates so there's no fuel in the bowls....

[cudabob496]

even without check valves, I don't think the bowl design allows gas to drain back out.

[1 Wild R/T]

even without check valves, I don't think the bowl design allows gas to drain back out.

True...

[hooD]

I pour approximately a tablespoon of fuel into the right and left primary carb openings for a quick start.  It sure beats cranking the life out of your battery and starter. 

I didn't know that today's fuel blend evaporates so quickly.