I’m wondering why i have to set my timing at 15 btdc or better for my truck to run strong? I know it probably has to do with that but it’s hard starting when it’s cold.

 

Bobcat - Welcome.

OK, you didn't mention engine size or modifications - kinda important.

For an older stock engine requiring more advance than expected look first for vacuum leaks (including the vac advance to the distributor) and consider timing chain slippage (stock gears had plastic teeth back then).
Also re: hard starting, may be due to timing, but is the battery voltage OK and is the choke working?

Sorry, ya didn't give us a lot to go on.

Archer

 

Ok i’ll list what I’ve done so far. New fuel pump wich made the carburator blow up lol. New carb (amazon), flushed all the fuel lines, new filter. The distributor had streched springs so new distributor (napa). Since the rotor was pointing far past no 1 before new distributor install i figured timing chain slippage so, new timing chain. It wasn’t bad but changed it anyway since i was already there. Timing marks all lined up and damper mark lined up with 0 mark, and there’s good spark. Runs like a champ at 15 btcd, starts real good and lots of power but really hard to start after sitting overnight. Checked carb first thing in the morning and got lots of gas when i pump it ( accelerator pump) and choke works well.I need to keep pumping till it starts ( about 15-20 times and it takes a good while cranking. I’m stumped. I know dodges usually don’t like getting pumped more than 2-3 times before flooding. Oh ya engine is a 318 bone stock as far as i know. I checked for vaccum leaks with starting fluid and seems to not have any.

 

Bobcat -

What engine, what carb?
15 advanced, may not be so far off and are the carb floats (again choke) set correctly (thinking Holley here)?

A dead cold start may require more than a few pumps to start, but not if the truck is run every day.

Archer

 

The carb is a carter 2 bbl on a 318 stock as far as i know.