1950 Spc very hard to start

[Sgt Mac]

Hi Everyone,
I sure hope someone can help me with this problem. I have put about 500 hundred miles on my straight 8 since it was rebuilt. I only drive it to car shows. About year ago is when the problem started. If the car sits for a week I have to pump the gas peddle 20 times then hit the starter, nothing then pump the peddle another 20 times, nothing, then I pump it 5 times until it starts.
The carb has been rebuilt along with almost everything else. It will heat up big time if I'm driving real slow cruising a car show.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Sgt Mac

[raycow]

It sounds like the carb is going dry while it's sitting. You could install an electric fuel pump which would fill the carb before you crank the engine and thus save wear on the starter, battery, and generator (to recharge the battery).

Ray

[fuzzydice]

I agree with raycow. I put up with the hard starting for over 20 years on my '55 Roadmaster. The carburetor rebuild this Spring completely eliminated the need for excess pumping. I still have the oem fuel pump.

Tim

[jmillsUT28]

If you were going to install a electric fuel pump which one would be best for a 52 super straight 8?

[suntreemcanic]

I have a 52 Super with a 263. I agree with Raycow. The fuel evaporates out of the carb. after a few months. I bought an electric pump from NAPA and installed it in line back near the fuel tank and control it with a toggle switch. Turn it on and when the carb. is full the pump changes tone, turn it off. Pump your car what ever is necessary to start (probably some experimentation). The factory pump pulls the fuel through the electric pump with no problem. I have been using this system for a long time with no problem. I will try to get under my car tomorrow and see if there is a part # and manufacture on my pump.

[LONG]

I run a cheap speedway 12V electric pump and the stock mechanical pump as well. I do have a big edelbrock carb. I have the electric pump wired through a relay which is tripped by keyed power. so using both pumps all the time. no issues.

[firstofeight]

O'Reilly sells a 6v pump. You want one that only puts out about 7 lbs pressure.

Ben

[suntreemcanic]

My electric pump is a 12 volt Holley with the only other markings IN and OUT. It sure makes starting the car much easier on the battery and starter. It is also good insurance if your mechanical pump fails you have a backup.