Problem starting car after sitting idle for 2 days

[FrankWest]

1933 Model B.
Has anyone had this problem? It is as though all the gas into the fuel line has drained back into the fuel tank. I can start after pouring some gas in the carburetor several times, and pumping the accelerator. Is air leaking into the fuel line?

[cas3]

It shouldn't have to run very long after priming it until it should supply its own gas.
Yes Frank, I would check for cracks or loose fittings. Got a rubber line before the fuel pump on your B motor?

[drolston]

Fuel will evaporate slowly from the float bowl, but it should hold enough to start for longer than two days. Maybe tighten up the assembly and bowl drain screws on the carb. Also on the fuel pump and lines.

[richard crow]

install an elect. fuel pump when the car sits turn the pump on. car starts shut pump off its the new gas that is the problem

[kurt v]

power valve leaking, does your oil have a gas smell to it ?

[cas3]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Its a 4 cylinder

[Newc]

Check the drain plug under the float? There should be check valves in the pump. ? Newc

[dean333]

Electric pumps only mask the problem, in my opinion.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by cas3

It shouldn't have to run very long after priming it until it should supply its own gas.
Yes Frank, I would check for cracks or loose fittings. Got a rubber line before the fuel pump on your B motor?

Yes have a rubber line

[Terry,OH]

It is possible the upper gasket on the fuel pump cover is leaking air. The gasket may be made of cork that drys out and shrinks allowing air to enter the pump. When the engine is started the fuel causes the gasket to swell blocking air. This will cause excessive long start times after a couple of days.
The fuel pump has two valves inside and when the engine stops both should close preventing fuel to flow back to the tank. Any fuel line leaks anywhere, including the flex line into the fuel pump and the carburetor? Any smell of fuel vapor?

[JayChicago]

Agree with others who have said problem is no fuel in the carb float bowl, which should not happen after two days. Picture that scenario and re-read the original post’s symptoms. Not a fuel delivery problem.

Others smarter than me have suggested things to look for at the carburetor.

[highbeams]

wiper vacuum line?

[FrankWest]

WOW, are you psychic. AS I was trying to start the car The windshield wiper began working? Weird.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by dean333

Electric pumps only mask the problem, in my opinion.

You are correct.

[FrankWest]

After tightening the connections on the fuel pump and carb., not that any were excessively loose. .it seems better. For a 1933 car, I guess I should start the engine every 2 days. The weather has been very cold. Some Global warming Scam.

[cas3]

I've had a fairly new, like 3 years old rubber line to the fuel pump crack. It did not leak fuel as there is no pressure there, but would leak enough air to make it hard to start after sitting for long periods. Same symptoms as the bad gasket at the glass sediment bowl as mentioned above. I like the rubber bowl gaskets if you can find them.

There is a special grease used in the aviation world that will not wash off with gasoline, so its good for the cork gaskets on the glass bowl. Sorry, I do not know the product name, only that its very expensive and my buddy who was an A&P would give me a little dab for my cars.