Hot start technique

[bangernomics]

One of the cars I look after is a 1966 Dodge Charger. 6.3 litre V8, big Holley carburettor, and an absolute bitch to start when hot. It isn't flooding, quite the opposite - if you pump the accelerator five or six times before turning the key, it will sometimes start, but not always. I have changed the battery, gone over the entire electrical system very carefully, and I can't find anything wrong. It's as if the gas flow at cranking speeds isn't great enough to draw fuel in through the jets.

As soon as the engine fires it runs perfectly, with no misfiring or other problems. It always starts eventually, but sooner or later I am going to run the battery flat first. I've got a new high-torque geared starter on order, but meanwhile does anyone have any suggestions to make starting easier? Right now I don't like taking this car anywhere in case it leaves me stranded. Which is a shame as it is very quick for such an old car, and makes a fabulous noise.

Richard

[deltaf]

Vapour locking perhaps?
You could try insulating the fuel lines to keep them cool, check to see if theres an insulator mounting block fitted, that'll stop heat being transmitted to the float bowl, or the best bet would be a facet electric fuel pump to purge the lines and prime the carb on startup.
Hope this helps.

[nevpugh308]

Agree with deltaf ... sounds very much like vapour lock / fuel evaporation.

If the fuel pump has a manual prime lever on it, you could try priming the carbs that way (just to prove it, then put a leccy pump on)

[kevinday]

I also agree, I had a similar problem on my modded 240Z running carbs. Fitted electric fuel pump and no more problem.

[zefarelly]

sounds familiar, possibly fuel evaporation from heat trnasfer to the carbs. a non return valve near the carb may help, it could just be fuel draining back down the pipes and emptying the float chambers?

[bangernomics]

Thanks everyone, lots of useful information there. I already wrapped heat shield tape around all the fuel lines which made no difference. However, I have a Facet fuel pump lying around somewhere from when I replaced the V8 in an old Land Rover with a diesel. I'll try that as a first step (assuming it still works).

Richard