Turns over too much before starting

so here's my next mission. I got the vaccuum advance installed, and it made a big difference. Set the timing, etc.

The dieseling has stopped too when I shut the car off, but when I try to start it up after it's warm it turns over several times often times up to 30 seconds or so before actually firing and running.

I'm thinking.....just thinking here....I've got a tired old starter. The carb seems to be fine, and I cleaned it out pretty good; and fuel is definitely getting through. Only other thing I can think of is to get rid of the old points distributor, and go with an ignition upgrade?

Advice is needed here, I've got to do something as its getting to the point where I'm nervous to shut the engine off if I know I need to get back in soon.

Thanks.

Tom IV

 

You don't say what type of carb you have, but maybe one of the float valves leaks when it's warmed up?? Maybe not exactly that one...but it sounds like it's waiting for the fuel pump to build up some pressure?

Larry

 

I had a similar problem a while back, and found out it was the coil going bad.
Just a thought.

Jeff

 

It may be flooding while sitting. If you have a qjet, the secondary well plugs may be leaking gas into the manifold.

If it turns over slowly, then you could look at your base timing or starter.

If it runs rough and smokes a lot when you finally get it started, it could be flooding. If it starts easy cold or just after you turn it off when hot, then I'll bet it's flooding.

The fuel also could be percolating and boiling over into the engine, but that usually only happenns in the very hot weather. That's why a/c cars have a vapor return line going back to the gas tank. :bglasses:

 

It only does it when it's hot and has been running for a while. The dieseling is gone when I turn it off. I have the 350-4 engine with the Q-Jet.

It needs to be fixed, because it is a pretty serious issue. Should I buy a new carb, have this one rebuilt? Something's got to fix it.

Thanks.

 

One other thing though; when I turn the key over the starter really draws off the battery, almost like you'd think the batter was about to go dead, then it'll kick back and turn normal for a few turns; then it'll slow down like it's about to die.

I'm really wondering if the starter is tired as well?

Just throwing ideas out.

Thanks.

 

Sounds like your starter is FRIED. It needs to be tested hot under the load of cranking. A good one will draw 200-300 amps. A shorted one will draw 500+ amps.

A test would cost half as much as a rebuilt one, assuming you will install it yourself. I say just replace it with a good quality rebuilt one.:bglasses:

 

I can get a new starter from Orielly for $29.99 plus a core of $25. Might just do that. Really don't think it's the carb, but it could be a combination of both, which I hope it isn't but assume it is.

Thanks.

Tom IV

 

NAPA makes a kit for those leaky well plugs. It's brass plugs with O rings, don't have the part number, but they are inexpensive and listed in their Echlin fuel system parts catalog. If you can find a knowlegable counterperson minus the attitude, you can get those there.........they work well if yours are leaking.:bglasses:

 

Also check the condition of the battery cables and terminals. The exhaust could have burned thru a cable.o No:

Also, did you say whether you had a Quadrajet or not?

 

Yeah, it's a quadrajet.

Swapping the starter tomorrow. I KNOW it's weak, so we'll go from there before I fart around with the carb.

I'll post an update.

Thanks.

Tom IV

 

Unless they've been repaired already, the hard start is prolly from the float well plugs leaking. Very typical QJ flaw.

Might wanna look into just having a professional rebuilder go thru it. Prolly needs throttle shaft bushings also!

Run a search on John Osborn here on the Board. Sure here lots of good stuff about him!

Don't forget to check the battery cables! I've NEVER had to replace a Buick starter for some reason, sure been thru more than my fair share of cables and terminals before finally getting some REALLY GOOD HEAVY GAUGE cables (2O fine strand welding leads, donated by my favorite welder, DAD!), and using an asbestos heat shield around the headers!ou: And I even have headers WITHOUT a heat shield!

To bad you're not close, I prolly have 5-6 good starters from previous car/engines that didn't last as long as they did, cause I'd GIVE ya one!

 

You bring up a good point. The battery cables aren't the heftiest buggers ever.

Either way I can assure you of one thing. I will keep going until it's right.

(famous last words, I know...trust me)

Just sold one of my Land Cruisers. Took a hit on it.

 

Tom,

Starter sounds like a place to start. But on the simple side, I have always found that older carbureted vehicles start much easier when hot if I pump the gas pedal once before engaging the starter. If you are doing this then ignore me. If you are not, then try it.