Cold Starting

[abe_froman]

How do your EB's start up in the cold weather? I just finished rebuilding my engine about a month ago and now on pretty cold mornings it will start but I have to keep my foot on the accelerator (just a little) until it warms up or it dies. Once it is warm it runs like a champ.

I can run the idle up on the carb before I crank and it is fine but then once it warms up I think it idles too high. Is this common or am I missing something?

 

[Explorer]

Sounds like it's time to adjust the choke and fast idle setting.

 

[hdfx81]

If it's a carbed motor do you have a working choke if so there is a fast idle screw on the left side of the carb looking at it from the front.

 

[GrillMaster]

I have my electric choke set for warm day starts. If it is real cold (in the mornings) I just rev it with my foot to about 1300 for about 30 seconds and then let it drop down to the choke level (maybe 1000?). Once the choke wire warms up and clicks off it drops down to 750 or so.

Would be nice if the choke compensated for the colder/warmer tempature startups but seems you have to choose one or the other. I start it more often in the day around 70 so this was my best solution.

Somebody correct me if there is a better way, I'm new to the whole carb business.

 

[blubuckaroo]

There will be some specifics for your particular carb but here is some good reading. Most of the time choke and fast idle adjustments are done incorrectly. It's sort of a lost art with fuel injection and all. Spend a little time with it and it will work in most any climate.
http://www.pearson35.com/galaxie_carb_manual.htm

 

[abe_froman]

Thanks, I'll adjust it tomorrow and let you know what happens

 

[abe_froman]

Problem solved. Thanks guys.

 

[Explorer]

Can't leave us hanging, what fixed it?

 

[abe_froman]

Just tightened up the Fast Idle screw, now the Choke actually works like it should.