Truck requires two ignition turns to start

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I get it for cold starts, but this is every time. I've been planning for new plugs, spark wires and an HEI dist. tune-up anyway. My guess is that would do the trick.

A new Edlelbrock carb was installed 9 months ago, which I'd rather not talk about (ha!), but it runs well, and this is a more recent problem. The fuel filter is also new. However, on the second turn of the ignition, sometimes I need to give it gas.

What do you think is the problem? Thank you

[demian5]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

HEI dist, Edlelbrock carb... sometimes I need to give it gas.

What do you think is the problem? Thank you

Setting the choke is what it sounds like. You should pump the gas once to set the choke and possibly a couple more times when starting an old truck.

Its an old (non-fuel injected) vehicle and that happens. No gas in carb and it needs to crank to get it in there.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by demian5

Setting the choke is what it sounds like. You should pump the gas once to set the choke and possibly a couple more times when starting an old truck.

Its an old (non-fuel injected) vehicle and that happens. No gas in carb and it needs to crank to get it in there.

That only applies to a cold start, right?

[GASoline71]

It's just what a carb does. Carbs can be fickle. We all get so used to turning the key with newer FI vehicles and become spoiled with rigs that start immediately.

I'd say it's normal. A little heat soak, and a little excess fuel left in the bowls or not enough fuel... it just happens.

Gary

[paul blair]

Electric or manual choke? Idle mixture screws set lean or rich? Just two simple things to check! Did this problem happen when you changed carb? The fuel, climate and condition of the engine play a part. What altitude? Check spark plugs to see if rich or lean condition

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by paul blair

Electric or manual choke? Idle mixture screws set lean or rich? Just two simple things to check! Did this problem happen when you changed carb? The fuel, climate and condition of the engine play a part. What altitude? Check spark plugs to see if rich or lean condition

Electric choke.

I believe this became a problem months after the carb. install. Seems it occurs more often anyway. Now every start requires two triggers, doesn't matter the temperature.

4800 elevation, including when the carb. was installed. Someone else did it - I mentioned I didn't want to talk about it.

Spark plugs. If I had to guess I need new plugs.

I can't say I know how to ID correct fuel mixture, screws or the adjustment process. Can't speak for too rich or lean spark plugs either, but it's easy to find out.

Thank you.

[1SG.Rob]

When I picked up my 396 after a rebuild and Edelbrock carb added, they told me to pump the gas twice and then hold it cracked open while I turn the key. It fires right up every time I do this. When I forget, it definitely takes a couple of turns.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 1SG.Rob

When I picked up my 396 after a rebuild and Edelbrock carb added, they told me to pump the gas twice and then hold it cracked open while I turn the key. It fires right up every time I do this. When I forget, it definitely takes a couple of turns.

I assume you mean warm start. What do you mean by "hold it cracked open"? My understanding of carbs. is shallow.

Other than that, thanks for that info. Will give it a try.

[1SG.Rob]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I assume you mean warm start. What do you mean by "hold it cracked open"? My understanding of carbs. is shallow.

Other than that, thanks for that info. Will give it a try.

Pump the gas pedal twice, and then just hold it a bit down with your foot while you turn the key. I've only had it since early June, it's prob around 55 when I start it in the morning to go to work. Maybe when colder temps come it will be a lot harder to start.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Electric choke.

I believe this became a problem months after the carb. install. Seems it occurs more often anyway. Now every start requires two triggers, doesn't matter the temperature.

4800 elevation, including when the carb. was installed. Someone else did it - I mentioned I didn't want to talk about it.

Spark plugs. If I had to guess I need new plugs.

I can't say I know how to ID correct fuel mixture, screws or the adjustment process. Can't speak for too rich or lean spark plugs either, but it's easy to find out.

Thank you.

Your timing has a lot to do with it!
What's your initial timing?

[paul blair]

Try this, might help. Cold engine remove air cleaner, loosen three screws on choke housing, rotate housing till the choke valves just start to open and back till they just close and tighten 3 screws. The electric choke is set to open quicker. Run engine up to operating temp, make sure choke is open, then slowly turn mixture screws in one at a time until the rpms drop and then back out 1/2 turn or so till rpms increase, lean mixture! rich mixture back screws out until engine runs rough then back in, rich idle mixture. I think at your altitude it should be on the lean side. Good Luck

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 1SG.Rob

Pump the gas pedal twice, and then just hold it a bit down with your foot while you turn the key. I've only had it since early June, it's prob around 55 when I start it in the morning to go to work. Maybe when colder temps come it will be a lot harder to start.

This truck has no cold starting issues. Even when it's real cold. The issue is when it's warm.

Originally Posted by paul blair

Try this, might help. Cold engine remove air cleaner, loosen three screws on choke housing, rotate housing till the choke valves just start to open and back till they just close and tighten 3 screws. The electric choke is set to open quicker. Run engine up to operating temp, make sure choke is open, then slowly turn mixture screws in one at a time until the rpms drop and then back out 1/2 turn or so till rpms increase, lean mixture! rich mixture back screws out until engine runs rough then back in, rich idle mixture. I think at your altitude it should be on the lean side. Good Luck

I'll give it a shot. Nice description, thank you.

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Your timing has a lot to do with it!
What's your initial timing?

Don't know. The guy who installed the carb. was the last to adjust it. I'll have to check it out. From what I've read 10 degrees advanced is about right. Seems my 71 was set at 10+.




Appreciate the help

[geezer#99]

At your elevation you need closer to 16 initial or more.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

At your elevation you need closer to 16 initial or more.

16 advanced huh? Sounds like a lot, but noted.