pumping the gas pedal to start

[deathegg]

Hi Everyone,
This isn't really a repair question, but a general question about why something works as it does.

On the DeathEgg (88L+, Carb) Per the owners manual, I usually pump the gas pedal once and then it starts right up, if not on the first try, then quickly on the second.
However, These days when it's cold in the morning (anything under 50 it seems), once doesn't do it. Sometimes twice will do it, and just this morning I had to pump it 6-7 times (again, per the manual) and then it started. Once last week I had to hold the gas pedal down and crank it, the procedure you do when It's flooded. It took about 10 minutes to start. Once it's warm it starts quickly, all the time.

So, I guess I do need an answer as to why it's not starting, but also need an answer to what is happening when I pump the pedal so I may understand better why it's happening.
I know it sets the choke, right? So why would two pumps of the pedal work when one doesn't? Did it set the choke AGAIN? And for that matter, why 6-7 pumps like this morning? Did it set the choke 6-7 times?? Does pumping it actually squirt a little fuel into the engine?

Thanks!

[anomoly40]

#1. Gas evaporates less when it's cold.

#2. Oil is thicker when it gets cold.

#3. The battery isn't producing as much "crankin" power.

Put them together and you have an engine that isn't as happy to start. To fix this use a different viscosity oil and get a heavier duty battery. That ~should~ help. Not sure if we have a "primer" in our carbs.

[Icedawg]

With a carburetor comes an accelerator pump. When you pump the gas pedal the accelerator pump squirts a shot of fuel into the intake. That gives you a richer mixture when you try to fire the engine. The colder it is out the less volatile the mixture and the denser the air (leaning it out a small touch), so it is harder to start. More pumps on the pedal mean more squirts into the carb, and a vastly richer mix, which is easier to ignite. When it is really cold it ignites but falters, so keeping your foot in it keeps it running rich and gives a better chance of having the fire stay lit.

[88FestivaLX]

My 88 doesn't like cold weather either. Doesn't get too cold down here, but on mornings when its in the 20's or 30's its never very happy unless its been in the garage. I normally pump it once before starting and then hold it half way down while its turning over. Normally doesn't take too long.

[FB71]

my 88 had no issues, down to at least 10F (coldest it got here). 2 or 3 pumps, fired right up.

[sam.1956]

My 88 is cold-natured like that. Never starts on 1st try. Always starts on 2nd try.

[88FestivaLX]

I'm also wondering if my accel pump is starting to crap out. i think thats whats making the car jump and jerk around when I accelerate.

[sam.1956]

Seems to be a fairly common issue with the carb'd cars. I find that if I'm "too light" on the throttle, the car will buck. So my solution is to just floor it! HA!

[25Horseplay]

My carbed car starts by pressing the pedal to the floor one time and turn the key. You might need to adjust the choke.

[spiko]

My 88 takes a couple pumps when it's really cold too.

[WmWatt]

Pumping also sets the choke which is harder to do on a cold morning. Mine also takes longer to start if it hasn't been running for a few days. What really helps is to plug in the block heater for a while before starting the engine. I do it to save gas because a cold engine burns more fuel, and I think it also saves wear and tear on the metal parts.

[deathegg]

Well, i may have figured out another reason why the Deathegg isn't starting in the morning; the fuel pump is leaking! Could that be one of the reasons? I'll get a new one tomorrow and install it on Thursday. Thanks for all your help guys!!

[rcottle]

Pretty much everything that was said is correct. Yes a leaking fuel pump could contribute. The 1st thing I would check is the choke make sure it is closing all the way when gas pedal is depressed 1 time. If it has a lot of black gunky carbon looking stuff - clean it really well especially around the pivot points on each side. Try to spray carb cleaner directly into the pivots.

[jglutz]

Poor engine vacuum.

[deathegg]

UPDATE: STILL NEED HELP!
Installed new fuel pump yesterday, and cleaned and lubed carb linkage. No leaks from new pump. Also checked vacuum hoses and did not find anything loose or cracked.

This morning (Friday), I went to start car **(outside temp in the high 40's-low 50's)** using the usual method of one pump on gas pedal and cranking it. Did not start.

I went through the usual routine per the owners manual for cold start. Did not start.
Even holding the gas pedal to the floor did not start it.

I took off the air cleaner cover and looked at the choke: it seemed to be in the proper position for a cold start (almost closed in other words).

So, I got a ride to work and a ride back home.

I went out to the car when I got home (IMPORTANT: outside temp about 75).
Gave it one pump of the gas and cranked it....IT STARTED UP VERY QUICKLY.
As usual, once it starts it runs great; no flats spots, good acceleration, etc.

NOTE: it does idle higher than usual, at about 1500 rpm instead of about 1000.


So, it seems that the ambient temperature has something to do with this problem, and I have to think it's the carb, but this is driving me nuts. Carbs confuse me!

So to sum up:
* Usual starting procedure does not work when cold
* Choke seems to be working when pedal is pushed
* Car almost always starts on first or second try when outside temp is warm, and ALWAYS starts on first try when car itself has been running a while and engine is warmed up
* Choke seems to be working when pedal is pushed
* Idle speed is a bit high.

I was wondering about setting the choke using the normal procedure (for you guy/gals with carb'ed Festivas); when you press the pedal, do you do it quick and then release, or do you hold in on the floor for a second or two then release?

Thanks for your help so far, and I hope you can still help a bit more!!

Mark