Issues Starting Up

[TheBar]

Every old engine with a carb is finicky. It doesn't mean it is broken or needs repair. Your engine seems to be completely normal for its age.

Every engine is different but you will learn what it wants. I have two 1970's with a carb. One needs the gas pedal pumped once before starting, the other needs 7 pumps in the summer, 9 in the winter before starting. Both have to run for 10 seconds or so before putting them in gear. They have both been that way for 40 years.

1. Press down on the gas before turning the key to set the choke closed.
2. A P30 has a mechanical fuel pump so it may crank a while to pump up the gas.
3. Every 5 seconds or so turn the key off, pump the gas once, and try again.
4. When it does start rev up the engine a little to pull the choke off.
5. It may need to sit running for 10 seconds or so before putting it in gear.

 

[Larry N.]

One needs the gas pedal pumped once before starting, the other needs 7 pumps in the summer, 9 in the winter before starting.

They are indeed different - each has a "personality." Earlier carb engines often required several pumps before starting (especially when cold), then maybe (depending on the engine) partially depressing the pedal. In later years it took me a bit to learn to floor the pedal and release, then start. Then still later it took a bit to learn that with electronic fuel injection the computer does all that is needed, so just hit the key.