Takes Forever to Start - The Saga Continues

[MercuryMarc]

Well...
My 69 200 takes forever to start if not driven for a while.
So far I have:
Rebuilt my Holley 1940
Installed another Holley 1940 (manual choke)
Replaced the fuel pump and filter
Installed new plugs
Replaced the coil to distributer wire (corroded at the coil terminal)

Seems to be worse if facing uphill when trying to start.
Also, backfires and stumbles while driving 1/2 way up a big hill if I drive over 35 mph, but seems ok if I drive just a touch slower.

NEW Discovery:
The clear fuel filter between the carb and the pump seems to be very low on fuel (only 10% full) after sitting a while, but 50% full just after I stop and pop the hood.

I think I have a gravity related fuel issue. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Marc in SF
63 Comet Ragtop
69 200
Dual Cupholders
http://mercurycomet.net

 

[MustangSix]

Maybe you could add an electric pump as a supplement. Turn the key, let it tick a few seconds, then start.

 

[MercuryMarc]

Thanks. What I don't understand is that there should still be fuel in the carb float bowl to get the car started, even if there is no fuel in the line, right?

 

[MustangSix]

Float level is the first suspect. Also possibly a fuel line restriction.

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

my old holley (1909 or 08) had a leaky bowl on it. would leak out all teh gas when parked over night and be a pain to fire up first thing in the morning. mostly did it once it cooled off a little in the fall. would crank and crank then fire right up after bit and run fine. also it kinda sounds like a low float level too.how long does it have to sit to give problems? overnight? a couple days? weeks?

 

[MercuryMarc]

If if it sits 2 weeks, then I need to crank for over 1 minute.
If one week, then 30 seconds.
If overnight, then just a few seconds.
If just a few minutes or hours, no problems.

This happens with BOTH my old and new carbs, even after I rebuilt the older one (but not the newer one). I will check the float (s). And I'll rebuild the newer (current) one.

Or maybe I'll just:
1. Park facing downhill
2. Start my car every morning and every night
3. Keep my AAA membership current and my cell phone charged...

Thanks again!

marc in SF
63 Comet ragtop

 

[Anonymous]

isnt there a spring loaded valve at the fuel pump that keep fuel in the fuel line...

maybe that the problem

even though you got a new pump....

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

how are the frame rail lines? if your tank to pump line is leaking a little it will go dry and take a long time to get started up.

 

[MercuryMarc]

Thanks!
I will take my "CSI" flashlight and investigate!
Marc