Fuel Problem

[charger500440]

My 383-4bbl has developed a hard start condition, wondering if anyone knows what may be happening.

The engine, once running, runs and drives great. It's a bone stock 383 and the drivability, power, idle and consistency are all excellent. The problem is, it takes forever to get started once cold. I changed the fuel pump and filter, there are no leaks or other issues and the carb was rebuilt about 5 years ago or so (stock Carter). In an effort not to burn my starter out I'll use starter fluid and she fires up no problem. Without it, it's simply not getting fuel into the engine.

Any suggestions?

[doctor4766]

Did you check the fuel pump rod wasn't worn down when you changed out the pump?

[XH29N0G]

The start issues I have run into have been related to gas (accelerator pump putting gas in when cold), choke, or ignition.  I would probably check in that order. 

[charger500440]

Did you check the fuel pump rod wasn't worn down when you changed out the pump?

I did, normal wear but nothing too crazy...

[charger500440]

The start issues I have run into have been related to gas (accelerator pump putting gas in when cold), choke, or ignition.  I would probably check in that order. 

Thank you, I was thinking the accelerator pump may be the likely cause and would be my next item to replace. I usually add fuel additive when I know the vehicle will sit, if I know I'm going to be burning it I usually don't. I suspect today's fuel may be the real culprit...

[XH29N0G]

The fuel might be the culprit.  I would check if the accelerator pump functions before replacing it.  If it squirts it is working.  I also think you would sense a problem during driving if it were a problem. 

[Mopar Nut]

I had an issue like this, the fuel was boiling out of the carb when I'd shut it off. The problem went away when I added a spacer under the carb.

[charger500440]

I had an issue like this, the fuel was boiling out of the carb when I'd shut it off. The problem went away when I added a spacer under the carb.

Good info, I know that this is happening as well. Especially when I park the car in my garage after driving it, you can easily smell the fumes under the hood. How big of a spacer did you install?

[b5blue]

You need to check clearance from air cleaner and wingnut stud to underside of hood. I used cones made of Play-dough. 

[Mopar Nut]

I had an issue like this, the fuel was boiling out of the carb when I'd shut it off. The problem went away when I added a spacer under the carb.

Good info, I know that this is happening as well. Especially when I park the car in my garage after driving it, you can easily smell the fumes under the hood. How big of a spacer did you install?

1/2 inch. Measure and check clearance from air cleaner and wing nut stud.

[DownZero]

Running into this problem myself. What brand/type heat spacer is recommended ?

[charger500440]

I had an issue like this, the fuel was boiling out of the carb when I'd shut it off. The problem went away when I added a spacer under the carb.

Good info, I know that this is happening as well. Especially when I park the car in my garage after driving it, you can easily smell the fumes under the hood. How big of a spacer did you install?

1/2 inch. Measure and check clearance from air cleaner and wing nut stud.

Thank you!!! Will try it and see what happens...

[Mopar Nut]

Running into this problem myself. What brand/type heat spacer is recommended ?

There's so many types available, really depends on your carb, spread bore, etc, etc. I'm using the Phenolic .500 spacer but there's Wood Fiber Laminate, Aluminum and Plastic.

Here's what I bought. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/trd-2528

[b5blue]

https://jomarperformance.com/   

[c00nhunterjoe]

Coolcarb technologies.

[charger500440]

Perfect, thank you all for the info. I will try this fix and see what happens...