Startup procedure

66toaster

66toaster

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I have a '73 CS. What is the proper startup procedure after car has been sitting for a week or two? Should the gas pedal be pressed down; turn key & then press gas pedal again a little bit while engaging? Or should key be turned to allow gas to get to the Weber carbs; press gas pedal & then engage engine? Whatever I do, I find that car is very difficult to start the next day.
 
After sitting for two weeks the gas in the carbs has evaporated. I usually press the gas pedal once to set the chokes, crank the engine until it starts to sputter, and then pump the gas several times.
 
It depends if you are using the original mechanical pump or an aftermarket electric fuel pump. I installed the electric pump for this very reason that my Coupe sits for weeks/months at a time. With the mechanical pump you need to crank the heck out of the engine just to fill the empty bowls. With the electric pump just turn the ignition on and wait about 15-30 seconds, pump the pedal once to set the chokes and voila, engine starts!
 
the morning after

Thanks to M Thompson; followed your advice, which was close to what I had been doing. In fact, drove the car yesterday (after sitting 3-4 weeks) and once warmed up, ran like a watch on the highway. But, my big problem is the morning after. Takes a heck of lot to start it up. Almost like it's not getting gas. Once I get going, it sputters; is jerky; will not idle & stalls out. Complete oppopsite of the day before. Is there something I should set (press down gas pedal) after I turn it off the day before?
 
It sounds like you need to look at the chokes, fast idle cams, and accelerator pumps. Even after sitting for several days it should start right up, and after 30 seconds or so, it should idle smoothly. After running for several minutes if you press just a little on the gas pedal the idle should go lower.

When you shut it off the engine is warm so the chokes will not close. There is really nothing that you should have to do when you shut it off.
 
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