Expert: Brad Sears - 4/23/2010

Question
I have a 78 Corvette that sits for about a week before I start it since it is a show car.  When I try to start it the engine turns over for about 20 seconds and doesn't start, then I re-attempt to start and about 15-20 seconds later it starts. Is the fuel pump bad? I have to pump the gas several times and I mean several times during this process, it is not flooded as there is no gas smell? Any ideals?
Thanks!
Lou

Answer
Some of those cars had a tenancy for the float bowl to syphon dry when the car sat for a couple of days. The second thing to check is to be sure that the automatic choke has not gotten sticky and is not closing when the engine is cold. To check the choke remove the air cleaner before trying to start the car after it has been sitting for a week. The choke plate should be partially closed. Now while watching the choke open the throttle once and let it close. The choke plate should have snapped shut when the throttle was opened. If the choke plate did not snap shut it means that the linkage is dirty and sticking and needs to be cleaned. This can be done with a spray carburetor and choke cleaner. Do not oil the linkage as the oil will collect dirt and cause it to stick worse. Or it could mean that the choke is improperly adjusted or that the choke spring has lost it's spring and needs to be replaced. If it is not the choke the next best be is siphoning, and a replacement carburetor might take care of it, and then again it might not.