Engine runs poor when cold.

[lak2004]

Ive got a 350 with an Edelbrock intake and carb (1406) and thats all that is done to it. Not sure on mileage as PO swapped it in place of the stock 305. It has troubles running and starting in really cold weather. Last night after I drove it I let it sit for about 2 hours before I tried to start it again and no dice .

This morning I went to get it where I left it and if fired right up but it was puffing blue smoke and sounded like it was only running on 6 or 7 cylinders. Anyone got any ideas?

After it warms up it runs ok, but still sounds like it is missing. I just put in a new dist & plug wires and a fuel pump not too long ago. Havent had a chance to check spark plugs since it has been snowing for 3 days and is cold as chit! Thanks guys

 

[oatsk5]

my dads old burb fuels line would get iced up on the exterior of the line? it could be cause of the winter blend gas

 

[obijuan]

are you choking properly?

 

[lak2004]

I think it may be the choke, but what about the blue smoke/missing? Not sure what that means? Valve seals?

 

[obijuan]

that describes what i am getting, i have my choke zip tied off because its always awesome weather here except for a few days last month. i never have trouble starting except when its ice ass cold. i bet i have old valve seals too.

 

[lak2004]

This engine is gone anyway as soon as I get tax money I am pulling it and getting a 6.2 diesel.

 

[chalet2506]

I had a similar problem when it got down in the 20's here this year. I recently put new plugs, wires, points and it had been running fine. A half can of B-12 through the carb and a can of seafoam through the tank, and its runnin like a top again. I figure I just had some buildup in the carb which gunked up in the cold or condensation in the gas tank.

 

[lak2004]

I just ran some seafoam through the tank and if I can scrap some cash together I will be changing the plugs and oil. Havent changed my oil in quite a while

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I would look at the choke, I think that's probably your problem.

Blue smoke generally means burning oil and if it only does it right after it starts its probably valve seals.

If you are near a power outlet I would strongly consider a block heater. They're cheap (~$15-20) and easy to install (pop out a freeze plug and install the heater). It'll save you a bunch of money in gas too.

You will definitely want a block heater on the 6.2

 

[lak2004]

Cool thanks chris! I will be checking it out today since it finally quit snowing last night. I could have swore I had a block heater already in there but it may have been on my s10. Ill have to look today. Are valve seals pretty easy to do? I have some already for a BBC that I was going to put in an International 345, would they work in my 350 too?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Cool thanks chris! I will be checking it out today since it finally quit snowing last night. I could have swore I had a block heater already in there but it may have been on my s10. Ill have to look today. Are valve seals pretty easy to do? I have some already for a BBC that I was going to put in an International 345, would they work in my 350 too?

Valve seals are fairly easy but if you are swapping a 6.2 in why bother?

I have no idea if the valve seals are the same but I doubt it. They aren't very expensive anyway.

 

[lak2004]

I guess it depends on if I can get the 6.2 or not, if not then I will do it.