1960s 1960 Trouble starting when Cold

[60eldo]

I have a manuel choke that works fine, and electronic ign. I get in the car and tryed pressing gas pedal 3 times and engine just turns, the next day tryed pressing 5 times nothing. Eventually it starts. Temp is about 40F. Im getting gas cause I looked down the carb and by hand pushed the throdle and saw lots of gas come out, so its getting gas. Starts fine after warm up. What am I missing here.

[James Landi]

As your engine ages, several issues will cause hard starting when cold.  I suggest that you purchase a vacuum gauge and carefully and thoroughly learn about this important tool and its many diagnostic capabilities.  A lack of  sufficient vacuum, uneven vacuum, or an engine that is not in tune will cause hard, cold starting.  In the meantime, I suggest that you try pumping the accelerator with the starter engaged and your choke pull on. Doing so will help to overcome a lack of sufficient vacuum.  Hope this helps.  James

[60eldo]

OK I can try that. When I pull the choke on, should the butterfly be completly closed, or open just slightly, maybe 1/8in.

[59-in-pieces]

Jon,

Since when does a 60 Cad have a manual - cable actuated - choke.

Have fun,
Steve B.

[dn010]

I thought this was a newly rebuilt engine and all that? The choke should not be fully closed, you would have to look in the shop manual but there is supposed to be a gap when "closed". Get rid of the manual choke and go back to the thermostatic choke.

[60eldo]

 My choke tube was burned out and when I got the engine rebuilt, I forgot to tell the guy to replace it. Now thats why I installed a manual choke.

[dn010]

In that case make sure the choke gap is set to the correct specs in the manual with the choke fully closed and then see how it does.

[60eldo]

So its better now. Starts right up. I closed the choke then opened it just a crack. Pumped it about 3 or 4 times,,,,then waited 10-15 seconds and it fired right up. Thanks all.

[Julien Abrahams]

It also depends on how long the car has been sitting.  Do you mean you have to crank it for 10-15 seconds? Beecuase that seems quite long (depending on how long it has been sitting and the outside temperature.
If I compare it to my '54 and '67. If they sit for something like 24 hours, I just need to press the accelerator once to set the choke and both cars start within a second or two. If they have been sitting longer, the '54 will start with the same procedure in about 5 seconds.

[60eldo]

 No, I mean I pump the gas then wait 10-15 sec, then turn it over, and she starts right up