Right way to start 'er up

[pabster]

Hey all,

This is no doubt a complete newbie question and I cringe to even ask it, but here goes.

It's been chilly but sunny this winter in Nor Cal, and I'm always a bit apprehensive starting my '74 Charger when it's cold. My car has been starting up fine for a year, but it started having a tougher time of it in the last week, so I put a new battery in- which was definitely needed.

But just so I'm clear, I'm right in thinking that pushing the accelerator to the floor activates the choke, and once it starts, it revs higher until I tap the gas again? That's how it seems to be.

So what's the proper way to go about this? Push the accel to the floor before starting it, or once I turn the key? If it still doesn't start, then what? If it does start, what's a good rule of thumb as far as the time it needs to warm up?

Any tips, tricks of the trade would be helpful. My car and I thank you for helping a Mopar noob out.

 

[marlabuck]

Hi...I don't know about everyone else but to start my 1973 Roadrunner I have to pump the pedal about six times when I first start the car...after she warms up I just key her and voila off we go...Marla

 

[67 coronet]

with a good running car 1 or 2 pumps of the gas should start it up when cold.you are correct that the first push of the pedal sets the choke when cold,if in stock formation this is a thermal choke.after the car heets up the choke will release on a tap of the pedal.if you are having trouble starting when cold,could be time for a tuneup?if not that then have somebody check the carb for choke operation.

 

[jessipup]

Grab some popcorn, a cold beer and sit back.
It's Movie Time :icon_kidra:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Films/307/

Every thing you wanted to know about starting them up and were not afraid to ask

 

[pabster]

jessipup, you ain't kidding! It's got all the info I need, complete with the "Yellow Submarine" style graphics! AWESOME!

I'm seriously grabbing a few PBRs when I get home and settling back for some Mopar education! Thanks a million, buddy!

 

[marlabuck]

Grab some popcorn, a cold beer and sit back.
It's Movie Time :icon_kidra:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Films/307/

Every thing you wanted to know about starting them up and were not afraid to ask

LOL x 100...Marla:icon_eyes:

 

[scotts74birds]

You should try starting the 73 shovel head in my 53 Harley! Cold engine start procedure.
1: Set choke.
2: 1/2 twist of throttle.
3: With ignition OFF, kick 2 times.
4: Light smoke.
5: Put on, and fasten helmet.
6: Relax, ain't nothing happening soon!
7: Using kick-pedal, roll engine over until on compression stroke.
8: Turn ignition to "on" position. Note, if engine backfires, start over from step 1. [Keep leg off kicker pedal at this point!]
9: Kick one time and start. [Looking really cool!]
10: Only do this only 3 times.
11: If this still fails, say "I am too drunk to ride" and spend night at chicks house!

 

[jessipup]

Sorry I Couldn't resist.
I've got a Block Head ...80-80-80 FXDWG

1. Turn on electrics
2. Roll throttle 1 or 2 times, It really don't matter.
3. Pres button on starter solenoid, let motor warm up.
4. Wait for shovel

 

[dave5237]

Hi...I don't know about everyone else but to start my 1973 Roadrunner I have to pump the pedal about six times when I first start the car...after she warms up I just key her and voila off we go...Marla

Yeah. I always had to pump the gas pedal to get my 440 started. I am told big blocks are tougher to start up. I even rebuilt the carb. Still have to pump that gas. I am told gas could dry up in the carb if it sits to long but this was not my case.

 

[Cranky]

440 with 2 750's on a Weiand tunnel ram, .660 roller cam, 11.2-1 compression.....press the gas about half way and let off. Hit the key (yup, kept the stock key switch) and it fires up but feather the pedal to keep it running. It was easy to start and keep running on a cold day but never tried it when the temp was lower than 40. Had a 650 DP on a E58 360 and did it the same way but on temps in the 30's, it was a bit tougher. No chokes on either car.