Not quite so new guy with a '74 Charger starting issue

pabster · Mar 1, 2013

Hey folks,

So here's my issue. My '74 Charger starts just fine from a cold start when the choke is engaged. But if I don't give it gas for a minute or two after disengaging the choke to keep the RPM's up, and it stalls, I can't get it started again. It'll crank and crank but the engine won't catch. I eventually flood the engine in frustration, wait a while, then coax it to start by flooring it, turning the key, and it starts super rough after turning over for awhile. The roughness quickly settles and then it runs fine. Once it's warmed up, it starts with no problems again and again.

What gives? I am a total noob when it comes to mechanical issues, so try to keep the replies simple so my mechanically challenged brain can keep up. Thanks!

Someotherguy · Mar 1, 2013

what brand carb are we talking about..?

tpodwdog · Mar 2, 2013

sounds like idle mixture screw adjustment is needed.

YY1 · Mar 2, 2013

How long do you let it run on the choke?

Even in FL I have to let mine run about 2-3 min.

Then I'll run it about 1800 for 5-10 seconds beofre I try to kick the high idle off.

Sometimes it still wants to stay on the choke.

After that I try not to floor it or even give more than 1/2 throttle,until I get to the end of my block (about 1/8 mile).

Using that technique, It's only ever stumbled once, and that's what caused me to develop the tecnique!

It does occasionally not like a hot restart, and I have to put the pedal about 7/8 down (and don't pump it) while cranking.
I'm thinking it's a mild vapor lock.

tpodwdog · Mar 2, 2013

YY1 said:
How long do you let it run on the choke?

Even in FL I have to let mine run about 2-3 min.

Then I'll run it about 1800 for 5-10 seconds beofre I try to kick the high idle off.

Sometimes it still wants to stay on the choke.

After that I try not to floor it or even give more than 1/2 throttle,until I get to the end of my block (about 1/8 mile).

Using that technique, It's only ever stumbled once, and that's what caused me to develop the tecnique!

It does occasionally not like a hot restart, and I have to put the pedal about 7/8 down (and don't pump it) while cranking.
I'm thinking it's a mild vapor lock.

he says he floods it after a while in frustration....vapor lock would not let this happen.

rsd859 · Mar 2, 2013

How was it running before? Bad fuel pressure maybe? I would reset the Idle mix screws and up the idle a hair for starters. Also check you Acc pump shot. if its electric choke it may not be opening up once its warmed up.

747mopar · Mar 2, 2013

I would confirm your fuel pressure (excessive psi will flood an engine) although I don't really suspect that or it would likely flood out while choked. I would lean more towards a longer warm up period (are you impatient) or the idle screws need a little adjusting.

bm02tj · Mar 31, 2013

does this have a manual choke

cudajunction · Mar 31, 2013

choke pull off is set incorectialy.

pabster · Apr 2, 2013

Well, I went the lazy route- now I just leave the choke engaged for about a minute, and no more problems. Thanks for the tips, guys!

73runner · Apr 5, 2013

That's because your choke was comming off too soon.

Not quite so new guy with a '74 Charger starting issue

pabster

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Someotherguy

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tpodwdog

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YY1

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tpodwdog

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rsd859

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747mopar

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bm02tj

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cudajunction

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pabster

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73runner

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