Classic/Antique Car Repair/Car Floods

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Expert: - 4/1/2008


Question
My first and only car is a 1959 Ford Fairlane with a 223 6cyl engine, manual choke!  The car starts up perfectly when the engine is cold.  However, if I have been driving the car, then turn it off and let it sit from anywhere between 5 minutes to 1.5 hours, it will flood if I try to start it up again.  Each time, I have to hold the gas pedal to the floor and let it crank for 5 seconds before the engine resarts.  If the car has sat less than 5 minutes before resarting, i do not have to touch the gas and there is no problem.  Likewise, if the car has sat more than 1.5 hours, I just give it a bit of choke, and it starts up promptly.  What could be wrong???    

I really appreciate people like you sharing their expertise with others who are interested in learning.

Alex

Answer
There is a gadget in the carburetor that is called a power valve. When the diaphragm in the valve gets a hole in it the condition that you describe, flooding" can take place. A sinking float will also cause the same problem. Looks like it is time to get the carburetor off and to a good rebuilder.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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