Engine starting...

[kqa3637]

I have a 1930 Murray Fordor... Stock engine with a Zenith 1 carburetor... No air filter...
When the engine is cold I have to pull the choke out for a short time to start the engine... When the engine is all warmed up to operating temperature I still have to pull the choke out for a short time to get the engine to start... If I do not pull out the choke when the engine is all warmed up, it will never fire...
Doesn't seem right to have to pull the choke out when the engine is at operating temperature... Any thoughts?
Thanks ahead of time...

[Patrick L.]

Mine is the same and/but its a tired old engine.

[Hicktick]

You have an Updraft carburetor ., The fuel is a long way from the cylinders .,
Think about it ,. Just because its warm don't mean there is enough fuel
to fire it .,

[Capt Quahog]

31' sedan came with a Zenith carb that like the rest of the mechanical components looks to be rebuilt. With that quirky Zenith, the Model A Ford was tricky to start and would flood out with not much effort, As long family tradition mandates, the Zenith was ASAP pulled off and swapped out for a freshly overhauled Marvel carburetor. Needed to clean the gasoline fouled spark plugs. Now, hot, cold or otherwise with the most subtle tug on the choke knob, that ancient car comes to life instantly and percolates sweetly.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Once warmed up my car starts within a couple firings with no choke.
It does the same cold with a short pull of the choke.

[CT Jack]

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1st check your timing then the next thing I would check is the carburetor. The low speed / idle jet could be slightly plugged or is not the proper size and could be restrictlng the flow of fuel needed for a warm start up.

[JOHN CT]

Doesn't the fuel in a up draft carburetor get pulled up with vacuum to the cylinders? I'll would be looking for a vacuum leak some were in the intake manifold. Am I wrong with that idea

[TerryH]

Mine has an original Zenith (professionally rebuilt), and it fires up instantly when still warm.....no choke needed....just a quick tap of the starter button.

[Bob/Kansas City]

Make sure you put the spark lever back up to start it.

[Patrick L.]

See, this problem is all cleared up now isn't it.

[Mitch//pa]

It should start up hot with no choke,, ur running lean
You can prove it out by checking the air / fuel ratio on an analyzer

[tbirdtbird]

how does it run once started, either hot or cold?

If it runs well, i would not worry about it
prolly low compression, tired motor, leave it alone

[kqa3637]

I want to thank everyone for their input to my question about starting a Model A engine...
I took the carb apart and rechecked all the internal passages and all were clear... Then I checked the jets and the microscopic fuel opening at the top of the idle jet was plugged solid... Using a #80 drill, I reopened it up and reassembled the carb and all works fine... Just like what you would like to see... Hopefully it will stay that way... If it acts up again, at least I know where to look first...
Again, thank you...
Dana Hall

[kqa3637]

I also want to mention that I replaced the fiber gasket that goes between the carb and the manifold with one made of copper and I think that gave a better seal...
Dana Hall

[Tom Wesenberg]

The thicker copper would be the original style. I like to use original style for all the engine gaskets.
When I took apart a couple engines I found brass gaskets instead of copper for a couple places, and when I got some gaskets from Bert's last week the water outlet gasket was brass. That's the first brass gasket I've seen since the old original gaskets.

[31Abone]

31 came with model B Zenith carb,never have to choke warm or cold ,a lot nicer than an A Zenith .and trouble free,never leaks or gives trouble.