Trouble starting '72 Valiant

[72valiant]

Hello. I've got a '72 Valiant with a 318 that I can't get to start. The car doesn't get driven much these days. For the past few months it's gotten to where it takes a long time to finally start up. Once it gets started it's fine. I can turn it back on and off with no problem after the initial first start. It would sound like normal when trying to start it but it would just take it's time turning over. Yesterday I went to crank it though and like usual it would crank for a long time but this time the engine wouldn't start. I had a spare ignition coil and tried that but it still wont start. I'll clean the fuel filter tomorrow and see how that goes. I don't seem to be smelling any fuel after attempting to crank it which seems unusual. Any suggestions?

 

[ScampMike]

choke sticking?

 

[67Dart273]

Start by first trying to figure if it's fuel, ignition, or some other problem

How is the "tuneup" that is, when was the last time the ignition/ carb saw any attention? Ever run a compression test? What general shape is the engine?

Then buy yourself a spark tester and use a SOLID core coil wire to test spark while cranking the engine USING THE KEY. You should have a nice bright blue spark at least 3/8" long

If all this is OK, look at fuel. Before you ever try to start "next time" get a light if necessary, pull the air filter and look down the carb throat while you work the throttle. This requires "tricks" and care as the choke will close, so hold it open. You are looking to see if the accel pump immediately shoots a nice shot of fuel. IF NOT the carb has boiled/ leaked dry, so look for fuel pump/ vapor lock/ fuel boiling issues

 

[69conv]

I agree. If its a while between outings a hot engine can evaporate all the fuel out of the carb and need to refill it before the engine will start. If that's the case you might want to consider an elec fuel pump to fill the carb without cranking the engine. Good luck!

 

[tonysrt]

I second the electric pump idea. I have a hemi with electric pump and it sits for weeks, but the electric pump lets it start fine. On the other hand have 74 Duster 318 and if I don't start every other day becomes a little tough waiting for the mechanical pump to get fuel into the carb.

 

[AJ/FormS]

These days I just slosh a bit of fresh gas (about a teaspoon per, nothing measured) down the front holes. Then I get in and hold the throttles wide open until she starts to wake-up. Then back off to half until she catches, and starts to rev. Then a couple of spanks to fill up the accelerator pump, and slowly bring her back to idle. This for an engine that's just got an empty carb, and is known to have run a week or two ago.

 

[tonysrt]

Could it be the ethanol doing a number on the diaphram in the pump causing the pump to be weaker. I know on small engines the ethanol wrinkles the diaphram and they have to be replaced yearly.

 

[barbee6043]

These days I just slosh a bit of fresh gas (about a teaspoon per, nothing measured) down the front holes. Then I get in and hold the throttles wide open until she starts to wake-up. Then back off to half until she catches, and starts to rev. Then a couple of spanks to fill up the accelerator pump, and slowly bring her back to idle. This for an engine that's just got an empty carb, and is known to have run a week or two ago.

above...... betcha that works. the electric fuel pump like just mentioned works. or could be the flux capacitor??

 

[72valiant]

I took the advice of putting some fuel directly into the carb and she started right up! I gotta make sure I don't let her sit to long without any activity again. Thanks everyone!