When your car is cold, pump the accelerator pedal twice, all the way to the floor, then turn the key and it should start. If it doesn't, hold the accelerator pedal to the floor, don't pump it, just hold it there and turn the key.
Of course, this is for non-fuel injection cars. The first pump sets the choke and the second one gives the carb a good shot of gas to help it get going. Continual pumping would flood the car.
This method is my mantra with carburetor equipped cars and it's served me well right up to my current '68. Not sure why holding the pedal to the floor works on a difficult starting situation, but it does.
I'm sure that another member will give you a much better answer but I had to put my 2¢ in!
On Saturday, April 19, 2003, at 07:55 AM, Mark E Blitman wrote:
i am sure this topic has been discussed before but here goes anyway..my '74 owners manual says starting the engine will be easier if the pedal is pumped several times when cold if the outside temp is below 10 degrees or above 70 degrees..this would explain why mine starts on first or second turn when cooler in the morning yet i have to pump and crank 4-5 times when its hotter in the morning..anybody know the reason for this? thanks
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