Carb losing it's prime

[71bigblock]

It's getting close to that time to starting my car again.  (Even though we're supposed to hit record lows tonight, 10 below or more     )

Last spring I put the original 2 bbl Carter on my car.  ('71 383) I rebuilt it, also.  It runs ok, its just that if you leave it sit for more than a half hour or so, it doesnt like to start.  You have to pump it like crazy and crank for a while.  For a while I mean 10 seconds, I suppose.  I never had this problem before I rebuilt it.  What gives, float level? 

On another note, if you put the hammer down, and you get up there in RPM, (I have no idea how much, no tach) it likes to miss.  Related problems?  Thanks.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Is this just when it sits for a half hour? Is it the same if it sits a couple of days later? I'm just wondering if fuel is draining from the fuel bowl, or if we have a heat situation here.

The second problem I'm not sure of, but maybe a sign the carb is too small if you have modified the engine any.   


  Mike

[71bigblock]

Thanks Mike.  Its anytime after a half an hour.  Three days later, even two or three weeks later, same story.  No worse if it sits longer. 

Engine is completely stock, never pulled 70k miles. 

[Moparal]

Sounds like your rebuild went a rye.  Like the accelerator pump isn't picking up any fuel for delivery. You may have used a wrong gasket some where or up side down or haze the plunger slot in the wrong setting maybe.

[71bigblock]

The plunger works fine, it dumps fuel in.  But that is while its running and gas is there.  Somehow the carb must be dry after it sits.   I thought maybe that the fuel pump was bad, but after 3 cranks the gas flies out of the line, so its not the pump. 

I'm sure I did something wrong, otherwise we wouldnt be having the conversation.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

IF the fuel bowl is draining, then something is wrong with the fuel pump for letting it enter back in. A weak guess on my part.     Is there anyway to check if you have fuel in your fuel bowl on that carb? I'm only familiar with Holley's, so pardon my ignorance.

[resq302]

Mine does that but only after it sits for a couple days.  I've never had the problem of it just being hard to start after it sat for a half hour.  Could it be that possibly your timing is off a little?

[dodge freak 2]

After the half hour does the accel pump stay work? / if not the fuel is leaking from the bowls or bowl if its a Carter Eddy.

It could be reason for breaking up at high speeds, maybe the float level is set way too low and there is no leak, just the fuel drops a bit too low after 30 mins..its normal to drop a bit sitting. 

[erat340]

After many years and lotsa different carbs/manifold combos,I always had the dry bowl/long crank problem on my 340. Deleted the heat crossover(Eddy heads) fires right up, any temp/weather, any time span.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Steve, just let me know when to send the rollback!   

[71bigblock]

Steve, just let me know when to send the rollback!   

LOL.   

I thought about this some more.  It has to be more than a half hour.  Reason being:  If I go to a show or something, it will start fine when I leave, an hour to two later.  (I dont stay long at shows).  It will start with just one pump. 

I've checked the timing, pretty sure its right. 

I dont know if I've checked the accel pump after a few hours.  I have checked it after a couple days, and it wont put anything in, there is nothing there. 

[Chryco Psycho]

have you checked the fuel pump push rod , if ti is worn it will not fully cycle the fuel pump limiting fuel flow into the carb

[71bigblock]

I havent.  I've thought about just throwing a new pump on there, cant be too much. 

Its supposed to be awesome here the next week, I may even sneak over, get it down, and try starting it.