Whining about my carb problem

DeltaMustang65 · 09-09-2006, 12:43 PM

Taken directly from fat0eknee's latest topic:

I took out my mustang for the first time in months yesterday. This was after I read a topic here about mustangs getting in accidents when they sprung a fuel leak after sitting too long. It was pretty fun, the single mothers and their kids were checking me out. Anyway, this is leading to a bit of a nagging issue I've been having since I stopped driving my mustang daily.

My mustang doesn't seem to want to start unless I take the top of the air cleaner off. I checked the choke clearance and although I haven't actually measured it (since I highly doubt it's the problem), it hasn't changed and it's wide enough to stick a standard screwdriver shaft through. It starts fine if I drive it regularly, and it runs great even after being in storage. The little 289 can still howl those tires nicely, not the screech those little ricer tires have, but the sound of spinning tires that have some semblance of traction. There's still the tiny lag at about 1/3 throttle, but I'm assuming that's because I never got around to getting it professionally tuned since the new intake and carb were installed. All in all it's not a big issue, it just seems very odd to me and it'd be nice if I knew what the deal is.

P.S. I just got my "user ride" page done. I was looking up info on factory parts and I was wondering if Ford used cast aluminum pistons? For some reason, I had it in my head that they were iron, but what do I know.

DeltaMustang65 · 09-14-2006, 01:58 PM

Nobody else has had this problem? Weird. I wonder if it even IS a problem or if it's something that normally happens when a car is in storage. I wouldn't know, simply because I've never had a car in storage before.

About the piston question, I know it's a stupid one. I read they were alum. from the factory, which struck me as odd for some reason. I just didn't want to look like a total dork and write something obviously wrong on my first "user ride" update. Sorry for the lame questions.

If someone would be kind enough to let me know what's up, I'll go ahead and delete this topic. Thanks.

Gearhead999 · 09-14-2006, 06:57 PM

Pistons are aluminum. They use to be cast iron, but after WW II I think all cars/tks when to aluminum pistons. Lighter, better heat transfer, etc.

Sound like your carb is messed up. Maybe it is bleeding down and the float bowl is empty. Are you sure it isn't hanging up on the cover??

Get the carb fixed and then you should be OK.

What other questions ya got?? Fire away, alway glad to help or inform if I can.

DeltaMustang65 · 09-15-2006, 01:59 PM

I don't think the carb is messed up. I got it new about a year and a half ago, but I haven't put too many miles on it since the car has been in storage since the end of the summer of '05. It only does this the first time I start the car after it's been sitting a week or so.

The carb doesn't leak gas and the linkage doesn't get hung up, although I'm still using the old 2 barrel linkage. Should I get the correct linkage for the carb I'm using now or does it matter? Now that you mention it though, it is kinda slanted...maybe that's what is causing the little lag at 1/3 throttle?

I don't think the float is empty. I can squirt gas down the carb by hand.

I work today, but I have this weekend off, so I think I'll poke around Mustangs Plus (screw Ford, I'm still gonna call it that) for linkage. I know they have those fancy kinds, so hopefully they have the original ones, too.

rwhite65 · 09-15-2006, 11:58 PM

Have you ever adjusted the floats...all the small stuff at first that effects everything else. You really dont need a professional to tune it, with the guys help on here, youll get it tuned right.
Ryan

DeltaMustang65 · 09-16-2006, 02:09 PM

I've never touched anything inside the carb. I just assumed that it came adjusted properly for my engine.

rwhite65 · 09-16-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaMustang65

I've never touched anything inside the carb. I just assumed that it came adjusted properly for my engine.

You need to adjust the floats first, then we will go from there. Try doing a search on here for how to adjust them. If you cant find it, I will post and tell you how.
Ryan

DeltaMustang65 · 10-16-2006, 10:47 PM

Well, I finally got back to the car after a couple weeks or so, and it's still having a hard time starting. I tried to start it twice, for 5 seconds each and the engine will turn over fine, but nothing else. The third time I'll give it another 5 seconds and the engine will sound like it's TRYING to fire up. Then the 4th try it'll fire up after a few seconds.

I'm thinking this is just something that I'll have to deal with if I'm not driving the car regularly, unless somebody has any other suggestions. I've made no changes to the car between the time I didn't have this issue and the time where the issue started. I WOULD think it's a side effect of the STA-BIL gas treatment that I put in the tank before I put the car away, but that would also make starting when warm difficult, wouldn't it? Anyway, I just thought I'd give an update since it's been a few weeks.

Rev · 10-17-2006, 11:01 AM

Sounds like to me that the choke may not be closing enough when absolutely cold after a couple of weeks. Before you try starting it (when completely cold), give one push to the accelerator to set the choke and look at the choke air fap to see how much closed it is. It should be about 80% or more closed for that absolutely cold start. It will open gradually to the fully opened position after a few minutes of warming up. If it isn't as described, you can adjust the choke to a slightly tighter setting if needed to improve those cold starts.

Rev

DeltaMustang65 · 10-17-2006, 01:02 PM

Sorry I forgot to mention it but I did set the choke like I normally do for a cold start. Double sorry that I forgot to actually measure the choke clearance again. I can't believe I did that... I promise that'll be the first thing I do next time I see the car.

If anything, I think the choke might be OVER 80% shut. It also has never been adjusted between the time before this issue started and after. If it helps, it's an electric choke, but as far as I know this only changes the method by which the choke spring is heated up.

Devine65GT · 10-18-2006, 04:53 PM

im in texas and i dont have really any trouble starting my 65 i had the same carb as you did, till it gave me problems. (recently just went back to an Autolite 4100) the choke was always pulled back wide open. you being in cali id say it really dosent get cold enough their to really need a choke. atleast what my grandpa says. try opening the choke all the way before you start it next time. i know it may sound a little silly, but give it a shot. with mine when it sits it take about 2 turns of the key and 2 pumps of the throttle then it fires up. with no choke.

DeltaMustang65 · 10-22-2006, 02:57 PM

Well, this summer it got up to 117 for a whole week where I live. It can also get quite cold also. Not an extreme cold, but cold enough to warrant using a choke. I'll turn the choke back a bit next time, hopefully that'll help.

rwhite65 · 10-22-2006, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaMustang65

Well, this summer it got up to 117 for a whole week where I live. It can also get quite cold also. Not an extreme cold, but cold enough to warrant using a choke. I'll turn the choke back a bit next time, hopefully that'll help.

Even though I do not drive mine daily anymore, I still drive it often. It has never had a choke, and I drive it here in the IL from April til November 1.
Ryan

09-09-2006, 12:43 PM	#1
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Whining about my carb problem Taken directly from fat0eknee's latest topic: I took out my mustang for the first time in months yesterday. This was after I read a topic here about mustangs getting in accidents when they sprung a fuel leak after sitting too long. It was pretty fun, the single mothers and their kids were checking me out. Anyway, this is leading to a bit of a nagging issue I've been having since I stopped driving my mustang daily. My mustang doesn't seem to want to start unless I take the top of the air cleaner off. I checked the choke clearance and although I haven't actually measured it (since I highly doubt it's the problem), it hasn't changed and it's wide enough to stick a standard screwdriver shaft through. It starts fine if I drive it regularly, and it runs great even after being in storage. The little 289 can still howl those tires nicely, not the screech those little ricer tires have, but the sound of spinning tires that have some semblance of traction. There's still the tiny lag at about 1/3 throttle, but I'm assuming that's because I never got around to getting it professionally tuned since the new intake and carb were installed. All in all it's not a big issue, it just seems very odd to me and it'd be nice if I knew what the deal is. P.S. I just got my "user ride" page done. I was looking up info on factory parts and I was wondering if Ford used cast aluminum pistons? For some reason, I had it in my head that they were iron, but what do I know. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO? Last edited by DeltaMustang65; 09-09-2006 at 12:48 PM.. Reason: pistons

09-14-2006, 01:58 PM	#2
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Re: Whining about my carb problem Nobody else has had this problem? Weird. I wonder if it even IS a problem or if it's something that normally happens when a car is in storage. I wouldn't know, simply because I've never had a car in storage before. About the piston question, I know it's a stupid one. I read they were alum. from the factory, which struck me as odd for some reason. I just didn't want to look like a total dork and write something obviously wrong on my first "user ride" update. Sorry for the lame questions. If someone would be kind enough to let me know what's up, I'll go ahead and delete this topic. Thanks. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO?

09-14-2006, 06:57 PM	#3
Gearhead999 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Oviedo, FL Posts: 992	Re: Whining about my carb problem Pistons are aluminum. They use to be cast iron, but after WW II I think all cars/tks when to aluminum pistons. Lighter, better heat transfer, etc. Sound like your carb is messed up. Maybe it is bleeding down and the float bowl is empty. Are you sure it isn't hanging up on the cover?? Get the carb fixed and then you should be OK. What other questions ya got?? Fire away, alway glad to help or inform if I can. __________________ "Support our Troops" Dave 1968 Cougar 2004 Thunderbird 2007 F150 Harley-Davidson, SuperCrew 1986 LTD 1997 Ranger 1992 Honda Civic

09-15-2006, 01:59 PM	#4
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Re: Whining about my carb problem I don't think the carb is messed up. I got it new about a year and a half ago, but I haven't put too many miles on it since the car has been in storage since the end of the summer of '05. It only does this the first time I start the car after it's been sitting a week or so. The carb doesn't leak gas and the linkage doesn't get hung up, although I'm still using the old 2 barrel linkage. Should I get the correct linkage for the carb I'm using now or does it matter? Now that you mention it though, it is kinda slanted...maybe that's what is causing the little lag at 1/3 throttle? I don't think the float is empty. I can squirt gas down the carb by hand. I work today, but I have this weekend off, so I think I'll poke around Mustangs Plus (screw Ford, I'm still gonna call it that) for linkage. I know they have those fancy kinds, so hopefully they have the original ones, too. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO?

09-15-2006, 11:58 PM	#5
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Whining about my carb problem Have you ever adjusted the floats...all the small stuff at first that effects everything else. You really dont need a professional to tune it, with the guys help on here, youll get it tuned right. Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

09-16-2006, 02:09 PM	#6
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Re: Whining about my carb problem I've never touched anything inside the carb. I just assumed that it came adjusted properly for my engine. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO?

10-16-2006, 10:47 PM	#8
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Re: Whining about my carb problem Well, I finally got back to the car after a couple weeks or so, and it's still having a hard time starting. I tried to start it twice, for 5 seconds each and the engine will turn over fine, but nothing else. The third time I'll give it another 5 seconds and the engine will sound like it's TRYING to fire up. Then the 4th try it'll fire up after a few seconds. I'm thinking this is just something that I'll have to deal with if I'm not driving the car regularly, unless somebody has any other suggestions. I've made no changes to the car between the time I didn't have this issue and the time where the issue started. I WOULD think it's a side effect of the STA-BIL gas treatment that I put in the tank before I put the car away, but that would also make starting when warm difficult, wouldn't it? Anyway, I just thought I'd give an update since it's been a few weeks. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO?

10-17-2006, 11:01 AM	#9
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Re: Whining about my carb problem Sounds like to me that the choke may not be closing enough when absolutely cold after a couple of weeks. Before you try starting it (when completely cold), give one push to the accelerator to set the choke and look at the choke air fap to see how much closed it is. It should be about 80% or more closed for that absolutely cold start. It will open gradually to the fully opened position after a few minutes of warming up. If it isn't as described, you can adjust the choke to a slightly tighter setting if needed to improve those cold starts. Rev __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe

10-17-2006, 01:02 PM	#10
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Re: Whining about my carb problem Sorry I forgot to mention it but I did set the choke like I normally do for a cold start. Double sorry that I forgot to actually measure the choke clearance again. I can't believe I did that... I promise that'll be the first thing I do next time I see the car. If anything, I think the choke might be OVER 80% shut. It also has never been adjusted between the time before this issue started and after. If it helps, it's an electric choke, but as far as I know this only changes the method by which the choke spring is heated up. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO?

10-18-2006, 04:53 PM	#11
Devine65GT Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Austin Posts: 88	Re: Whining about my carb problem im in texas and i dont have really any trouble starting my 65 i had the same carb as you did, till it gave me problems. (recently just went back to an Autolite 4100) the choke was always pulled back wide open. you being in cali id say it really dosent get cold enough their to really need a choke. atleast what my grandpa says. try opening the choke all the way before you start it next time. i know it may sound a little silly, but give it a shot. with mine when it sits it take about 2 turns of the key and 2 pumps of the throttle then it fires up. with no choke. __________________ 65 mustang GT, Matallic Ferrari red,306 Cobra, Edelbrock 1406 modifiied ,Edelbrock Performer manifold, C6 , Edelbrock shorties and exhaust system. My 65

10-22-2006, 02:57 PM	#12
DeltaMustang65 Knuckle-Basher Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 249	Re: Whining about my carb problem Well, this summer it got up to 117 for a whole week where I live. It can also get quite cold also. Not an extreme cold, but cold enough to warrant using a choke. I'll turn the choke back a bit next time, hopefully that'll help. __________________ Matt's '65 Coupe http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/deltamustang65/ If Nissan Motorsports = NISMO, wouldn't Honda Motorsports = HOMO?

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