How to Start Your Carbureted Car after it's been sitting for a long time

When a carbureted car sits for a long time, the fuel will evaporate out of the float bowl. The result of this is a very long cranking time when you want to start it. Long cranking times are hard on the battery, the starter and just about everything else in the starting circuit of your car. This video will show you how you can fill the carburetor with fuel using a inexpensive syringe that will shorten cranking times and make it easier on all the components of the starting circuit.

[@vandenro]

Awesome. Thank you. Great that you showed the bowl vents on the different makes of carbies.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Hello @vandenro. Thanks for the comment. I hope the information on the video is useful.

[@vandenro]

@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx Yes, it was. It's a great idea about the syringe. I've tried putting fuel down the carbie, but it's been hit and miss with starting it. Your method works perfectly. By the way, I'm from Australia, and I have a 1969 Holden Kingswood, which has a 307 Chev with 4bbl Rochester. It took a lot of cranking to start it if it was parked up for a couple of weeks or more. Your method works great. Holden was an Aussie made car owned by GM.. Unfortunately, they stopped production in 2017.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

The syringe method has worked well for me (no hit or miss while attempting to start as you said). I'm glad it worked for you. Also, the last production years of the Pontiac GTO sold in the US was built by Holden in Australia. That was an awesome car.

[@62DAP]

Wow. You have helped me so much and I know very little about cars. My ‘83 Imperial and ‘79 Seville started after the second try. Genius. Thank you a million.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad that helped. Thanks for your comment.

[@BeADad2447]

This is an excellent idea! I've always just dumped like 2 ounces of 2 stroke oil inside the barrels. Don't stop cranking it when it starts just keep the starter cranking and pump the gas peddle until you notice the engine is revving up and down when you press the accelerator! Also if it's been sitting for a long time, pull the spark plugs and put like 2 ounces of oil in each cylinder so they aren't dry when it starts! Great video! We will be the only cars on the road when an emp bomb goes off. Love my 3 jeep wagons, old garden tractors lawn mowers! All carbs! Make sure we all teach our boys how to overhaul and maintain these machines!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

It's unusual to find a person under 40 that knows anything about a carburetor. If you have a lawn mower, weed eater, chain saw, generator, or anything powered by a small IC engine and you want to maintain it yourself, you need to know a little bit about a carburetor. Pass that knowledge on if you can. Thanks for your comment.

[@BeADad2447]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx I started my kid when he was 8! We have to teach our boys! Thank you for the excellent video!

[@r.joseph8911]

“Pedal”. Peddling is the act of selling something.

[@tomberge5078]

Excellent tutorial. I especially liked the comparisons of the different types of carburetors and fuel pump demo. with and without dry bowls. Thank you Tom

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comment.

[@angelksh567]

Wow loved the very clear explained instructions here very informative 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for your comment.

[@blackgoat59]

I daily my 84 Grand Wagoneer. Best upgrade is an in line electric fuel pump tied to a switch on the dashboard. Easy fuel prime when it's sat for a while and it keeps the line away from the block which keeps the fuel cooler. 👍

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

An inline electric fuel pump can be an easy way to prime an empty carburetor as long as you don't mind cutting into the fuel line and adding an electrical circuit. Thanks for your comment.

[@perezm714]

I had a situation recently after replacing a fuel line for a repair and had not started my truck for about 3 weeks. I primed the carb with about a shot of gas and a spray of starting fluid down the throat of the carb to get it to start. I like this method though of filling the carb bowl through the vent opening and will keep it in mind for the future just in case.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Hello @Perezm714. I'm not sure what you mean. I use this method after my vehicle has been sitting usually a month or more and the fuel has evaporated out of the carburetor. Filling the carburetor allows it to start as long as everything else is working correctly.

[@perezm714]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx I reworded my comment to make better sense. Your video is a good tip.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Thanks for your comments. I understand now. I hope this may help you in the future.

[@lucaslorentz4722]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been looking for an easier method to start my 289 after the winter months. I’ll give this a try next spring!!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I hope this works for you. I've been using those syringes for years on carbureted cars that have sat long enough to evaporate the fuel out of the bowl. I just used one yesterday. The rubber plunger on the syringe is starting to swell because of the fuel even though I wash it off after every use. I bet I've used the same syringe for about three years. Time to find a few more on Amazon. Thanks for your comment.

[@lucaslorentz4722]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx thank you! If you can find a replacement plunger replace it with a Viton one. Then it will never breakdown.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

The syringes that I use are mostly for medical and veterinary use and are typically only used once. A Viton plunger would be great, but I've never seen those kind of specifications listed. I just found a four pack of 60ml syringes on Temu for $3.59. I'll probably buy those and they'll last me for years. Thanks for your comment.

[@sasz2107]

This is a good idea. I use starting fluid to help shorten the cranking time, but I think this method would work better.

[@OWK1776]

Great Information! I thought I needed a new fuel pump - saved me a lot of time!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad it helped. Thanks for the comment.

[@jake-hy2zb]

Thank you, Sir. I have a number of engines that have been sitting for a long time. I had not thought of filling the bowls. I do however spray some oil in the cylinders and use a pressure pre-oiler before and after changing the oil and filter.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

When I made this video I considered a "long time" to be the amount of time it takes for fuel to evaporate out of the carburetor which can be measured in months. When you get into years of non-use, there are definitely other things that should be done before starting an engine. Oil added to the cylinders, pre-oiling the lube system and turning the crankshaft by hand are all things to consider. Thanks for your comment.

[@louislepage5111]

This is a very good way to prime up the carburetor for dry starting. Thank you 😊

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

You're welcome and thanks for your comment.

[@isaiahspinks8070]

Thankyou very informative and great visuals

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Hello Isaiah. Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you liked the video.

[@slowcountryboy476]

I do the same thing except that I use a ketchup like bottle. I use the trick when installing a new/rebuilt carb. I use the trick when when a vehicle runs out of fuel. A huge problem with cranking and cranking and cranking an engine until it starts is that the battery gets damaged more and more with lengthy cranks. Another problem is the starter gets fried more and more with lengthy cranks. Finally, if the vehicle has a separate solenoid mounted on the fender or fire it can also be damaged by excess heat from cranking and cranking. Cables, cable ends, and battery terminals get excessively hot, and can even melt. Batteries are known to blow also; hopefully the person is sitting inside or away from a battery that blows. Batteries make such a mess.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I agree that long cranking times should be avoided for many reasons. Filling an empty carburetor with fuel before cranking minimizes cranking time. Thanks for your comment.

[@abanimishra3246]

Salute to you sir ❤❤❤ for good knowledge you have shared ❤❤ from india

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I hope this helps. Thank you for your comment.

[@hiramabiff885]

Thank you so much! I restored a 1966 Mustang and she has not been started in three years. After replacing the coil I know I have spark. I put in a 500 CFM Edelbrock carb and never considered the float bowls were empty. (not a carb guy). I will try this today and write a follow up on the results.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Thanks for your comment. I hope this works for you.

[@johnbroomer3285]

When an engine sits that long, you should probably pull the plugs and crank it until you get oil pressure, then proceed to getting it started.

[@ruledbysaturn]

Just do what i do. Drive it everyday.

[@SG-vu4qy]

great thorough explanation, thank you

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I hope you found the video useful. Thanks for your comment.

[@elwrencho101]

Great idea prevents backfiring like your video

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Yes, filling the float bowl reduces the chance of a backfire which is very common when pouring fuel down the airhorn. Thanks for your comment.

[@cesariglesias1003]

Thank you, Im like most and just dump fuel down the barrels, I will try and start my 67 Fastback Pony this weekend with this method,,, Havent started it 8 months :(

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

The syringe method has always worked well for me. I think it will work for you too. But you really have to drive and enjoy that car😁. Thanks for your comment.

[@stevenallen6245]

Nothing like that quadrajet roar💪🏾💪🏾

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

That is a replacement for the Rochester It's a Holley spread bore carb

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

Shown is a rare Holly Spread Boare,,, a replacement for the Quadrajet ,, fun carb...

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I didn't know it's rare. I've had it for 50 years :)

[@glenndickson7627]

Excellent idea!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Thanks for your comment.

[@SF-gu5os]

This is super helpful thanks!!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I hope this works for you. Thank you for your comment.

[@SF-gu5os]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx, thank you so much. I was able to figure out which carbureted I had by this video.!! I have the quadrajet in my 75 blazer. Thanks so much!!.🙂

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad that helped. Thanks for your comment.

[@billyrayband]

Another trick is to hold the choke closed and crank engine. That will help pull fuel into carb.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Making sure the choke is closed (or partially closed) is needed to help start a cold engine, but if fuel isn't already in the float bowl, it isn't going to do you much good. You really need to get fuel into the float bowl and that happens with the fuel pump as the engine is cranked (or if you have an electric fuel pump). To reduce cranking time on a car without an electric pump, I like filling the carburetor float bowl before I crank the engine. It really shortens the cranking time. Thank you for your comment.

[@MyLifeThai371]

On our 1971 Ford grain truck with a 2 barrel carburetor I am spraying starting fluid directly into the butterfly and it is in the open position, but the starting fluid is just running out from somewhere in the carburetor, rather than getting into the intake manifold. What would cause that?

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I assume that when you say you're spraying directly into the open butterfly, that means you're spraying into the airhorn with the choke wide open. If that's the case and the throttle is not open at that time, you may want to try holding the throttle open while you spray into the air horn. I've seen cases where worn throttle shaft bushings will allow fuel to drip out of the carburetor throttle shaft area and on to the intake manifold. It's possible that's happening with your 2 barrel carburetor, but I've never seen a case where the shaft or bushings were worn enough that it would keep the engine from starting. You could try holding the throttle open when you spray, but I think it's best to fill the float bowl with fuel as described in the video. If it doesn't start or even try to start, it's probably not a fuel problem. Also, make sure you're using fresh fuel. Good luck.

[@tomference4618]

👍a great learning video!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Thank you for your comment. I hope the information is useful.

[@thomasshelby1922]

Horrible information did me absolutely no good, watched over and over and finally I realized my bicycle doesn’t even have a carb or motor. Remember to pay attention fellas

[@NoobOnGuitar]

😂

[@lot2196]

Boo!

[@scoobydooby6180]

Bro lmao I literally laughed out loud. Hilarious

[@user-vm2ke3yk9n]

I do that know work perfect thanks for the info

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad that worked for you. Thanks for the comment.

[@dimitrid268]

I know this is an old video, but if you leave your car for extended periods without starting or driving it, could one theoretically install a manual pump in line so you just use that instead to fill up the bowls?

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

It is possible to add an inline electric fuel pump that can be turned on to fill the carburetor float bowl and then turned off (I assume that when you say "manual pump" you actually mean adding an auxiliary pump which would typically be an electric pump). You just need a pump that will allow fuel to flow though it with the pump not running. Not all electric pumps will allow that. It becomes a matter of choice. The car that I used for the video is one that I would not want to cut the fuel line, add a aftermarket fuel pump and run aftermarket wiring because I don't want to make any modifications to the vehicle. I do have a vehicle that would be a perfect candidate for an added electric fuel pump and I'll probably do a video on that in the future. Thanks for your comment.

[@dimitrid268]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx Thanks for your input! You are correct. I may have worded it a bit wrong, but that is essentially what I meant. Will subscribe to actually see it when you do.

[@robbie1606]

Is the 2 barrel the same concept with the same hole to pour gas in? Can you do a video on 2 Barrel Carburetor, too?

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Yes, a 2 barrel carburetor has a bowl vent just like a four barrel or a one barrel carburetor. The location is usually similar to the one barrel PICT VW carburetor that I used in the video, but with so many different styles of carburetors that have been used over the years, it's always best to look in a service manual for a view of your particular one to locate the float bowl vent. Thank you for your comment.

[@robbie1606]

​@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx Thanks I am going to try this now.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I find that with the syringe, it's a quick and easy way to get fuel in the bowl for less cranking time and easier starting. Good luck.

[@duanefarland9988]

I do this if the vehicle sits for a while.

[@billywird]

Yes, and the car care people will tell you that it is a wise policy to start a vehicle that is sitting quite a bit in order to keep the fuel system happy. And of course there is also recommendations on how to store a vehicle and the engine if it is to be stored for an extended amount of time.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

My preference would be to start it and drive it on a regular basis. That's really best for the car. Thanks for your comment.

[@billywird]

Yes sir they are meant to be driven, After all that is what people bought cars for, to be driven for work, for business, for pleasure. I drive my vehicles as well.@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx

[@repete2362]

i use a pop can cut in half and a small funnel.drip a few drops in the primaries .i run a Q jet so real small bowl, i don't think there is a need to prime the secondary bowl on the holley just my opinion.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I agree, I don't think there's really a need to add fuel to the secondary bowel on a Holley four barrel. I've just always done it that way. If there's a bowel vent, I'll fill it. Thanks for your comment.

[@Inthefoxhole]

Anyone who doesn't understand this.Don't have any business working on older cars.The ones I speak of will run down a decent battery and burn up the starter and cables.Trying to just crank them.

[@treypeck8370]

I'm here because I'm about to own my first carbureted car. I don't know, so I'm here to learn before I do work on it. Everyone can't know everything.

[@richceglinski7543]

Your shop must be a hanger. My 76 Monte Carlo sits 3-4 mo over winter. I set the choke with one pump. Engine cranks 7 to 10 seconds to refill carb and then it starts and fast idles without touching the accelerator.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

That could work. I'd just prefer not to crank the engine 7 to 10 seconds :) Thanks for your comment.

[@jake-hy2zb]

I would like to add that whenever I plan to store an engine. I fog it and change the oil. I always have good intensions of getting back to it but that may years. Ha Ha!

[@Thirdgen83]

That's the way I like to do it.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad this method works for you. I've used it for years. Thanks for your comment.

[@isaiahhodges8709]

So i have a peculiar thing that happens with my car I have a 79 c3 corvette, and when i go to crank it in the morning, it starts and runs just fine. But after, say, 8 hours later, after i cut it off again, when i go to crank it, it takes longer to start and when it does, it idles lower than normal and i see slightly blue smoke afterwards coming from the exhaust pipes, which disappears given time and after I give it throttle and drive it, the smoke never pops up again. Unless I cut it off and crank it again later. It still runs and drives great, it just seems to maybe have an issue starting. Im new to carburetors and corvettes so km not sure if its a normal thing that they do. Advice would be appreciated

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I believe the original carburetor on that car would have been a Rochester Quadrajet. If that's still on the car, many of them did have a problem with plugs at the bottom of the float bowl leaking fuel into the intake manifold. A common symptom of that was hard starting, rough running for a minute or two until the extra fuel was burned out and smoke out the tailpipe from a rich mixture. The smoke was usually black because of the rich fuel mixture and not blue however what you're seeing could be a combination of a rich fuel mixture and worn valve seals allowing some oil into the intake ports (although worn valve seals usually show up on a cold start as blue smoke out the tailpipe and smoke on deceleration when you take your foot off the gas). Another possibility is depending on how hot the engine is when you restart it, the 10% alcohol in our fuel can cause percolation of fuel in the carburetor that will flood the engine if it sits for awhile on a hot day. That makes for hard hot restarting, ruff running and black smoke out the tailpipe for a minute or so. If you're restarting the car eight hours later, that may not be the issue. It's usually within an hour or so of a hot restart. If it's the Quadrajet leaking fuel internally, they used to make various kits to fix that issue. If you can find a good carburetor shop (and those are a little rare now) they should be able to fix it. I bet you can do some searching on KZbin for info on that. Thanks for your comment and good luck.

[@isaiahhodges8709]

@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx yeah man I don't know if I should be really concerned or not. Like I said, the smoke only ever happens after k recrank it sometime later, but I didn't mention that it doesn't always happen. Sometimes the smoke is heavy, and sometimes I can't even notice it despite me looking for it. I've driven behind it before when a friend of mine was driving it, and the only time I saw a little bit of smoke was when he gave it quite a bit of gas to blow it out. When you're driving it normally it doesn't ever smoke. If it does, it's really hard to see.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

You may want to keep an eye on the oil consumption just in case it really is blue smoke and is the result of oil burning. If the smoke is connected to the hard restarting it's most likely one of the fuel issues I mentioned in the last message. Hopefully these ideas will give you a place to start your diagnosis. Good luck with it.

[@isaiahhodges8709]

@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx hey so I just asked my mechanic who has worked on that car a lot and he said it has a holley carb on it. The q jet carb was taken out of it some time ago. Would that make much of a difference?

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Yes, that makes a difference. A Holley carburetor does not have the same float bowl arrangement as the Quadrajet. There are no float bowl plugs that will leak fuel internally on a Holley like they can on a Quadrajet. It could still be a fuel percolation issue depending on how long the engine has been sitting after it was shut down. That's a common problem on carbureted engines with todays fuel. I would work with your mechanic on this issue. Good luck.

[@alkelenson648]

Like #300😃. Much thanks for the info.

[@thegreatafrican3367]

Trying to get an old car started that’s been sitting for a while and it won’t even crank even though battery’s ok

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Hi. If it won't crank, you don't have to look at the fuel system yet. There are a lot of good "no crank" videos on KZbin. I'd start there. A good service manual that shows the starting circuit will come in handy too. Good luck.

[@chadwaite5418]

Thank you

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Hello Chad. Thanks for your comment. I hope the information is useful.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

due to circumstances unrelated, I added an aux electric pump on the tank and plumbed into the carb ("Y" with the mechanical), using one way check valves. With a double throw, single pole, center off switch (made in USA), I can prime my carb in 10 seconds and press the accelerator a couple time. Starts up. No need to get out to the car. This video example is good for otherwise. Also, I use a shower cap-like stretch plastic bag over the 14" air filter to slow down evaporation when I know it's going to be a week before I start it. It keeps more gas in the carb, less in the garage air. :) BTW, if it has been months, you might consider disconnecting the coil and turning over to get the oil going, or, better, prime the oil pump while hand turning the crank a few times (battery disconnected). 'just saying.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Very good comments. I'm planning on doing a video on adding an auxiliary electric pump just for that purpose, but not on this car. I didn't want to cut the fuel line and add wires. I'll add one to my old C-10 truck though. And I like the shower cap idea. Thanks a lot.

[@DanielAlvarez-xl4qy]

Hey i have a 79 z28 it starts but wont stay on i pour gas into the carb but then dies out and advice????🙏 thanks!!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

If you're pouring gas down the carburetor and it starts but then dies right away, depending on how much fuel is in the float bowel, it can take a few times of doing that until the fuel pump fills the float bowel on its own. That's why I like to fill the bowel with a syringe so it doesn't take any time for the fuel pump to do the filling. I would make sure the float bowl is full with a syringe rather than just pouring fuel down the airhorn. This way you know you have fuel in the carburetor and even if your fuel pump isn't working or you're out of fuel in the tank or have some sort of fuel line restriction, the engine should run for a minute or so at idle before it dies. If it runs for a minute and then dies, you more than likely have a fuel delivery problem to the carburetor. I hope that helps. Good luck.

[@DanielAlvarez-xl4qy]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx hey thanks!!!! Ima go n try that i put gasoline into the carb direclty i open the barrels n put gas into it but i hope its just that it needs fuel jow u said n starts my car start then dies so hopefully its what u said thank you 🙏

[@richardherrera7445]

Would a 2 barrel Rochester be the same process?

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

All carburetors have some type of bowl vent that can be used to add fuel to the float bowl. If I recall, a two barrel Rochester carburetor will have a bowl vent in the airhorn very close to the choke plate. It looks like a tube with an angle cut on the top of it although there may be some later versions that would have the vent cast into the airhorn rather than a tube. Good luck and I hope this helps.

[@richardherrera7445]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx Thank you Sir.

[@cyrysvonnachtseite4546]

Spin the motor over by hand as not to break anything seized. Some WD 40 on the linkage so it moves freely ….Disconnect the coil wire on the distributor…. Then crank with battery ….. so car will not start. Cup full of gas. Little bit. Then start ……. Been storing cars since the 1980s. Never had a problem

[@ryanmckerley]

thank you!

[@rooster68able]

Pour into the float bowls is way like said

[@RobertRandin]

Not a 280Z Johnson I meant 280Z Datsun

[@dyingforpie6879]

Just put in an electric fuel pump to " prime" works great

[@paulkillick3419]

I wish I could do this with my Weber 38 dgas

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I don't know what your Weber 38 is, but I have two Weber 44 IDFs on an air cooled VW. I can remove one of the emulsion tubes (along with the main jet) and use a syringe to fill the bowl through the emulsion tube hole. If your Weber 38 is a side draft, I'm not sure how you'd do it, but if it's a downdraft, I bet it can be done. It's really better to start and run the engine more often though. Thanks for your comment.

[@paulkillick3419]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5txthanks for the reply. If you get a few minutes Google Weber 38 DGAS. Mine is a new replacement on my 1972 Ford Capri 3.0 V6 here in the UK. You’re right though I should at least start the car once every few days. I’m actually taking it to a classic car show this Sunday.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I found it and I see what it is now. I had a 2.6L V6 engine out of a Capri and I was looking for that carburetor. I put the engine in a 1972 MGB GT and I wanted that carb for the MG because the carb that came on the Capri in the US used a strange adapter and a primary/secondary carb instead of the DGAS style. I couldn't find that carb in the US at the time (about 40 years ago) and the project was never finished. I bet there's a bowel vent somewhere on the thing that would accept a syringe. Best to drive the car though. Enjoy it!

[@paulkillick3419]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5txnice info. I have an idea to put pass you. If I pull the fuel hose off the carburettor then use a large syringe to with a piece of hose to force fuel into the carburettor through the brass inlet pipe then the float bowl will fill and stop once the floats raise, put the fuel pipe pack on the carburettor, depress the accelerator pedal once so it primes the carb and engages the choke then hopefully start!

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

What you're suggesting will work on a vehicle that uses a rubber hose to the carburetor, but many vehicles use a solid steel fuel line rather than a flexible rubber hose. You could remove the steel line, temporarily install a hose adapter to the carb inlet, connect a rubber hose and do what you suggest, but it's going to take some time. Going to a bowl vent would be a lot quicker and easier, but driving the vehicle or starting the engine on a regular schedule would probably be a lot easier. Thanks for your comment.

[@ichabodjones65]

just go ask an old bloke. sorta second nature to us

[@democrat7441]

The diaphragm of my fuel pump rotted and dumped fuel into my oil pan. Truck sat for twenty years.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Yes, that can happen over many years of non-use with mechanical engine driven fuel pumps. When I made the video and said "when a carbureted car sits for a long time" I was thinking of the amount of time it takes for the fuel to evaporate out of the float bowel. That can be a month or two. When you get into years of non-use, that becomes storage. There are a lot of things you have to consider when you start up a car that's been in storage verses just long enough to evaporate the fuel from the carburetor. You've experienced one of the many things that can happen after that long a time of non-use. Thanks for your comment.

[@democrat7441]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx Your the expert it seems. I'm going through this truck and know as mechanic the problems. Did you consider that.

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

@@democrat7441- I don't understand your reply.

[@edwardstrishock8541]

Your major problem is that Holly

[@henryp1806]

Promo-SM

[@speedwayman100]

avoid using plastic as he puts the gas in a plastic syringe lol

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I've found that the plastic syringes that I've used are very resistant to gasoline, and I've used quite a few different ones. The plunger seal will show signs of swelling due to the gas exposure, but I wash it in water after use and I can use the same syringe for a few years before the plunger seal swells up enough that it's hard to use. Plastic cups on the other hand are made from all types of plastic. Some may be OK to use with gasoline, some may act like gasoline in a Styrofoam cup (which will melt before you get it off your workbench). If I'm going to put gasoline in something that I'll be using to fill the syringe, it's going to be glass or metal. A tin can works great too.

[@Truther00]

One to many uhms 😂

[@Stolencamaro]

Disaster

[@RobertRandin]

That was great but what about the Pistons they are dry and I've heard that you have to like lubricate the Pistons so when the cams go up and down your Pistons are lubricated I've heard at cars that sit for a long time to get like dry and the Pistons and cylinder so isn't there anything else we have to do I have an old 280Z Johnson that has been sitting for a couple years and I just don't want to mess the engine up doing it this way and not lubricating the Pistons

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

You have a good point. When I originally created this video I considered "a car sitting a long time" was long enough to have the fuel evaporate out of the float bowl. That could easily be months or less depending on ambient temperature, air cleaner design and style of carburetor. I didn't consider years of long term storage. If an engine sits not running for years, there are things that should be done that are more than just filling the float bowl. Removing spark plugs, squirting a little bit of oil in each cylinder, and then turning the engine over by hand If possible or by cranking it over with the starter with the spark plugs out is a good idea. You don't really need to do that if an engine has sat for months, but if it's sat for years, that would be a typical recommendation. Also, make sure the battery is fully charged and healthy before trying to start it. Thanks for your comment.

[@edwardstrishock8541]

Your major problem is that Holly

[@scottschmittmusic]

Oh.. so you pour it down the vent hole? I have a single carb. On a 52 Chevy

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Yes, the bowl vent goes right into the float bowl. I find it's an easy way to fill the carburetor. I think that vent should be pretty easy to find on your 52 Chevy.

[@scottschmittmusic]

@@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx thanks

[@396M21]

I see so many car TV shows with people dumping fuel down the carb and think they must have never had a carb apart before.

[@JohnDoe-ut1up]

How much fuel do you put in with the syringe? Do you put fuel in until it comes out the vent tube or a certain amount? Can the bowls be overfilled?

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

Different carburetor designs have different float bowl capacities. I use a 60cc syringe that I believe in most cases will provide enough fuel in the bowl to fill the accelerator pump reservoir and cover the circuits needed to easily start the engine. If you do overfill the bowl, you'll never see fuel come out the vent tube. Before the fuel can get that high, it will begin to discharge out of the main discharge nozzles that are in the throttle bores. This would cause the engine to flood with fuel and you don't want to do that. A 60cc syringe full of fuel and then a couple of strokes of the throttle to get some accelerator pump squirts into the intake manifold along with a choke that's operating correctly should get the engine started (as long as all of the other systems required to run the engine are working correctly). I hope this helps. Thanks for your comment.

[@richardparis8738]

Great idea I'm going to do the same thing😊

[@StuffAboutCars-jg5tx]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for your comment.

[@edwardstrishock8541]

Your major problem is that Holly