Hi All,

Lately my 69 camaro is hard to start for the first time after sitting for more than a couple days? It is not cold now in the NE, normally this time of the year 2 pumps of the pedal and she fires up...

I changed the fuel filter, new gas, carb is just two years old (edelbrock 4bbl w/ electric choke) Plugs are new...

seems like gas is not getting to the carb when engine and starter are cranking? Once I get car to finally to start by excessively pumping while cranking it runs great. when shut off hot, it instantly starts?

Any suggestions on cause or things to try?

thanks,
JL

OK,
After the car sets for a couple of days. Pop the hood, take off the air cleaner and with the throttle linkage give it a couple of full throttle squirts with you watching the carb squirter a good amount of fuel down the carb. If there is a poor amount of fuel when you check this then its possible that the accelerator pump is bad. You can also check your float level.

Also check to make sure that the choke is in working order, last make sure you have good spark, plugs wires, cap, rotor and coil.

It's usually normal as if you stop the car hot, the remaining fuel left in the bowls evaporates from the heat and over time. Same deal with my ride and nothing is wrong with it, just the wonders of not having efi is all...

The gas today evaporates at a faster rate than the older leaded fuel. I have this problem when I let mine sit also. The next time you let it sit, take the 9 screws off and remove the top of the carb to make sure you have fuel in the bowls. I found that if mine sat for more than 1 week, it was hard to start because the fuel evaporates.

Are the Edelbrock carbs prone to leaking into the manifold like the older Quadrajets? I'm going to have to tear one down to make sure. I have a few sitting around the shop. Just curious!
Ken

I've noticed this is much more prone to happen with the Edelbrock carb design vs. the Holley.. I have to think is due the the jet location and fuel storage design of the Edel vs. the Holley. That said is one advantage I'd have to put in Holley's court since much better to have your enggine start sooner than later. Not trying to diss one the Edelbrock cause they are good carbs with exception of this flaw and also more prone to vapor locking.

thanks all. Did notice that gas filter is bone dry when first cranking after sitting. So now while first few cranks I am pumping pedal and the gas is getting there for the start.

thanks
JL

If your fuel filter is dry after sitting then that could point to an issue in the pump itself. The fuel may be leaking back out of the filter.

Could he have a vacuum on the tank pulling the fuel from the system?