Hi, I have a 71 cuda with a 440 six pack. I am having a hard time starting it from cold start to even after it is warm. I am not getting fuel until i crank the car several times. I am losing pressure and the fuel is actually draining from the float bowls in the carbs.
Anyone ever have this happen?? what can i do. I am running mechanical pump which i prefer (do not like the noise of electric pump). I have tossed idea of EFI 6 pack but the cost is way out of my range.

any help??

thanks!
Jim

 

440-6

Have you checked the float level and cleaned the needle and seat?

Archer

 

i have, even had mechanic rebuild center carb completely and adjust floats. still having same issue.

 

440-6

If the mechanic knew what he was doing on the rebuild, it sounds like you may have too much pressure going into the carb. A mechanical fuel pump should be putting 5 - 7 pounds at the carb, is that what you are getting?

Archer

 

i truely don't know. once the car is running it runs perfectly, no hesitation what so ever from dead stop or at any speed. If it is turned off for more than 5 min it is hard to start.
I figure it is with the carb but was wondering if it could be losing pressure from the vent lines at the tank. i have a new gas cap on it as well

 

This seems to be a real problem of "modern fuel." Fuel boiling off

MAY not be directly related, but do you have the (should be factory) vapor return system hooked up? This came on all six pack cars

Like it or not, the best things for me 'before' I went EFI was a (4bbl) big carb spacer, home built vapor return system, and rear mount electric pump.

 

440-6 -

Wait a minute, it the problem worse with a cold or hot engine?
If usually with a hot engine, vapor lock can be thew cause. And it might not be the carb, but the routing of the fuel line. The factory position has it hugging the front of the engine.

Archer

 

Were genuine Holley parts used on the rebuild?

 

Yes all holly original parts. It does not matter hot or cold, it is MUCH harder at initial start up, but even warm is hard to start. Seem like no fuel in carbs.

I thought about vapor lock and re routed lines, but it has no issues at all once it is running.
It is strictly when starting. New pertronix flame thrower 2 dist and coil as well.

Might have to go EFI. But that's 9K. 😕

 

Is there any accelerator pump squirt before trying to start?

 

No. It is dry until I crank it and get the fuel pump working. After 5-8 tries it will start to catch.

I really appreciate all your help with this. It is very frustrating

 

This may be more of a fuel supply issue.

I would disconnect the line to the carbs, put a soft hose on the fuel line and crank the engine to see how much fuel is being delivered, into a pail. 440's do have a wear issue with the fuel pump pushrod, that may be worth checking. Very little wear and it becomes an issue.

 

Ok. Thanks. I will check that out tomorrow!