Not enough fuel at startup ?

[Frijolito1988]

Hey guys, I have a 68 SWB with a 350 small block. On start up i have to really pump the gas really hard 3-4 times for her to start. If i pump the gas pedal 2-3 time before i start her up, it will crank , and the RPM's go up then it will turn off about a second later. I have to pump it 3-4 times when it crank's up to keep her on. What do you guys think the problem is ? Fuel pump ? I have a 1406 Edelbrock carb.

[geezer#99]

Choke working?

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Choke working?

as far as i can tell yes. Its an electric choke .

[cableguy0]

Is it harder to start after the engine is warm?

[cdowns]

when was the last time the engine was tuned up and the sparkplugs looked at??

[Gumby]

I dunno, sounds like a classic ride to me, pump pump pump crank, pump pump crank cough puff sputter vrooooooom

if a carbed engine starts up like a fuel injection car, something is wrong

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

Is it harder to start after the engine is warm?

Yes after installing this engine I have not driven it more than 4-5 miles. I went to put gas about 1 mile away, then when i tired to start the truck, it started acting up and took me about 45 seconds of pumping and craking and let it rest for a few seconds untill it fired up.

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by cdowns

when was the last time the engine was tuned up and the sparkplugs looked at??

has new plugs, only about 5 miles on them, old wires still , new disstributor cap

[Frijolito1988]

I just came to our shop where i keep the truck and was giving the fuel system a once over and i do not have a fuel filter , i forgot to put one. Went to the donor truck and sure enough the fuel filter is still there. Dont have time to swap it out today but will definately do it tomorrow during my lunch time.

What type of issues could this cause ? Or is it just simple a filter and nothing more ? Im thinking maybe the too much pressure was coming to the pump , carb becuase there was no filter to slow it down ?

[CEE1NG_RED]

...spray some 'engine starter' fluid onto the throttle and turn the ignition. See if that helps. My dash is not working so I ran out of gas while test driving my truck around the neighborhood. Filled it up with gasoline, it didn't start so I sprayed some of the engine starter fluid and it started right up.

[Frijolito1988]

I dont have a problem turning on my truck, it will turn on eventually. Its the fact that it needs 5-6 gas pumps to keep it running , or to start it that is the problem.

[cableguy0]

First thing to do, pull the air cleaner with the truck off after sitting a while. Climb up on top so you can look down into the carb throat. Now open the throttle by hand. You should see fuel squirt instantly. If your not seeing fuel squirt then you likely the typically issue of an edelbrock boiling the fuel out of the bowls. 5 or 6 pumps should flood the engine if its getting a full shot from the accelerator pump every time you hit the throttle.

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

First thing to do, pull the air cleaner with the truck off after sitting a while. Climb up on top so you can look down into the carb throat. Now open the throttle by hand. You should see fuel squirt instantly. If your not seeing fuel squirt then you likely the typically issue of an edelbrock boiling the fuel out of the bowls. 5 or 6 pumps should flood the engine if its getting a full shot from the accelerator pump every time you hit the throttle.

If it was boiling over , then this shouldent be a problem at cold start up right ? This happens on both cold and hot.

[cdowns]

when u turn truck off the engine is still hot and gets hotter due to no air circulation or coolant flow ,so fuel boils out quicker// it is especially worse if you do not have a phenolis spacer under the carb like is reccomended in the insallation instructions

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by cdowns

when u turn truck off the engine is still hot and gets hotter due to no air circulation or coolant flow ,so fuel boils out quicker// it is especially worse if you do not have a phenolis spacer under the carb like is reccomended in the insallation instructions

Should have been more clearer , I meant if i have not turned on my truck for a day or two. It still acts the same way.

[Frijolito1988]

also I guess it will not hurt to instal a fuel PSI gauge to check what I am getting , I hear these Edelbrock 1406 are finicky and need a special fuel pump along with a special base plate.

Also what are the pros/cons to running a rubber fuel line vs steel

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by Frijolito1988

Should have been more clearer , I meant if i have not turned on my truck for a day or two. It still acts the same way.

still when u do shut it off what i said happens and 2hours or two months later the fuel has boilout and there is no magic refill setting that replaces it

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Frijolito1988

Also what are the pros/cons to running a rubber fuel line vs steel

Only pro for rubber line is it's easy to install. The con and it's a HUGE con is the huge fire and melted truck when the rubber line leaks. I learned the hard way!!

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by cdowns

still when u do shut it off what i said happens and 2hours or two months later the fuel has boilout and there is no magic refill setting that replaces it

ahhhhhh makes sense.

Thanks for the help guys I am a noob when it comes to these stuff but love learning. I want to take a chance at trying to tune this engine. Its " ok " at the moment but i know it could be better.

So what is the best way to check the A/F aside from buying those kits where you put an 02 sensor in the exhaust pipe ?

Do you install a Vacuum gauge and fuel pressure gauge , do some math and that is the A/F ?

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Only pro for rubber line is it's easy to install. The con and it's a HUGE con is the huge fire and melted truck when the rubber line leaks. I learned the hard way!!

Whoah, will definitely be switching.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Frijolito1988

Whoah, will definitely be switching.

It was a thrill!! 40 years ago. Was cruising at midnite. Smelled gas! Popped the hood and saw fuel actually boiling on the intake! Went for my little fire extinguisher and a rag to soak it up. TOO LATE!!!
WHOOOSH!
My first truck gone. Saved the tail gate. 74 chevy swb stepper.

[Frijolito1988]

Where are you guys putting the fuel filter at ? In my truck it looks like the steel line goes from the tank all the way to the front of thet ruck near the radiator, makes a u turn then it has about 4-5 inches to the fuel pump ??

[geezer#99]

Put your filter between the pump and the carb. As close to the pump as you can get. Some put one just before the pump though.

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Put your filter between the pump and the carb. As close to the pump as you can get. Some put one just before the pump though.

Will do! I am just so used to seeing these before the pump. Also asside from having dirty fuel, what side effects can not having a fuel filter affect the idling, running of the truck ?

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

It was a thrill!! 40 years ago. Was cruising at midnite. Smelled gas! Popped the hood and saw fuel actually boiling on the intake! Went for my little fire extinguisher and a rag to soak it up. TOO LATE!!!
WHOOOSH!
My first truck gone. Saved the tail gate. 74 chevy swb stepper.

Yikes

Going to definately make this a priority. I am probaly just going to go with a generic brand steel fuel lines from Pepboys or autozone.

Do you guys have a pic of how you guys have the line to the pump set up ?