Carburetor 101 Question

[JonRemi]

I have '79 4x4 K20 with a 350 that runs perfectly. Only problem is that it's really hard to start after sitting for a few days (or weeks). I hear it's because the gas is evaporating while it sits. Is there an easy solution other that starting it more often or is this the nature of the beast?

 

[diesel4me]

Kind of the nature of the beast--todays ethanol gas evaporates faster than non-ethanol leaded gas did back in the day,so its liable to be empty next time you go to crank it up,if it sits more than a few days..

Quadrajet carbs sometimes leak the fuel out of the bowl out of the well plugs under the base of the carb,they can be epoxied to fix that--but the fuel can still evaporate even if the carb is 100% leak free...

An electric fuel pump can be added in-line with your mechanical one ,that will prime the carb and fill the bowl up after a few seconds wait time,then it'll fire right up--however,I like having an engine spin over several revolutions before it'll fire up after it has sat idle,it helps get oil pressure to the bearings and other parts and avoids a "dry start"...

 

[JonRemi]

Thanks. Kind of the price we pay for driving old cars...

 

[vandelay industries]

i have the same problem if the truck sits for 2 weeks or more. Not a big deal in my opinion.

 

[Stomis]

An electric fuel pump can be added in-line with your mechanical one ,that will prime the carb and fill the bowl up after a few seconds wait time,then it'll fire right up--however,I like having an engine spin over several revolutions before it'll fire up after it has sat idle,it helps get oil pressure to the bearings and other parts and avoids a "dry start"...

Indeed. Consider it a good thing tbh. Although I will say all that pre-oiling from not starting right up is certainly undone by the carb douching the cylinders with too much fuel on cold start lol.