1986 C20 Hard Start When Cold

[AdamWalker]

Hi All,
I just bought a 1986 C20 and it takes quite a while to fire when it hasn't run for 12+ hrs. Starter turns over fine, but takes 20-30+ seconds of cranking before it runs. If I then turn it off and start again it fires up like it should. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mtnmankev]

Carburetor or TBI ?
If carbureted, make sure your choke is working properly.
If it's a quadrajet carburetor, the well plugs in it may be leaking the gas out from sitting, and a proper rebuild and JB weld the well plugs should stop the problem.

 

[GTME94]

Also, if its carburated are you pressing the gas pedal once or twice before cranking? It may be a simple question but if you've only driven fuel injected cars before you may not know to do that with a carb.

 

[bucket]

I've had a lot of stuff that needed 5-10 pumps on a cold start. It ain't right, my point is that's just what it takes sometimes, the usual couple pumps isn't enough.

 

[highdesertrange]

you could possibly have a cracked base plate on your carb, allowing the gas to seep out if it sits for long periods. when it gets warm the metal expands and seals the cracks, so it only shows up when it cools off. just saying it's a possibility. some quadrajets have this problem. shouldn't this be moved to the engine/carb section. highdesertranger