help! difficult to start car - hot or cold + stall!

[voodoo]

hi! i just bought a 1981 Corvette. car looks like it's in great shape. mechanic says it's generally ok.

BUT.... i have trouble starting the car 90% of the time. at 50 degrees to 90 degrees..... it still the same.

engine starts...and dies immediately.
i have to hold the gas pedal at half and crank 2-3 secs for the second start.

twice, the car stalled at idle rpm after idling for 3 minutes

anyone can give me a quick fix or possible breakdown area?

thanks!

 

[drquazar]

Sounds like the automatic choke is outta whack?

 

[vettenick]

When the engine is cold, remove the air cleaner lid. Look at the choke flap...it should be open. At that point move the accelerator..the flap should close all of the way. When you crank the engine the flap should open about 1/8 of an inch.

Try that for starters. Nick

 

[voodoo]

mechanic checked out my carb and he said its fine. he can rebuild my carb if i want...... he said not to buy recon carbs......

been able to start when cold with 3 quick presses on the gas pedal b4 cranking. still have not found the way to have successful start when the weather is 80 to 90 degrees.....

 

[vettenick]

If the car runs fine after starting, then I still say to make sure that the choke flap is operating properly. Once you pop the hood and remove the air cleaner lid it should take less than a minute.The symptoms you're describing are classic choke problems.

 

[voodoo]

mechanic checked the choke and he say it's fine.

i have been getting cold starts without fail so far.

what is your technique for achieving a successful first start when the engine had been running for 15-30 mins already before you shut it down...... say..get a burger.... then wanna crank up and go?
thanks!

 

[vettenick]

Normally, I just turn the key without touching the gas. If it doesn't start on the first crank, I usually pump the pedal half way, take my foot off and then crank.

 

[voodoo]

ok. i willtry this. Thanks again

btw.... is it normal for the vette not to fire up first time, everytime?? and the second crank takes abt 3 secs?

 

[vettenick]

I would say yes, but it depends on engine temperature. If the engine is fully warm, then you shouldn't have to touch the gas. Where there's the gray area is when the engine is not cold or hot, but in between. You will have to experiment.

 

[GerryLP]

mechanic checked the choke and he say it's fine.

i have been getting cold starts without fail so far.

what is your technique for achieving a successful first start when the engine had been running for 15-30 mins already before you shut it down...... say..get a burger.... then wanna crank up and go?
thanks!

Do you know if the mech checked the green wire for the choke housing for 12Volts supply? The wire comes from the left side of engine compartment and crosses behind the alternator towards the choke housing.

 

[voodoo]

not sure abt this.

good point! thanks

will test himthe next time round