How to Start Your Carbureted Car after it's been sitting for a long time

When a carbureted car sits for a long time, the fuel will evaporate out of the float bowl. The result of this is a very long cranking time when you want to start it. Long cranking times are hard on the battery, the starter and just about everything else in the starting circuit of your car. This video will show you how you can fill the carburetor with fuel using a inexpensive syringe that will shorten cranking times and make it easier on all the components of the starting circuit.

[MunnyLerner]

Thank you!! I needed to move an 83 Pace Arrow motorhome with a 454 and I've never had to do anything with a carb myself. I've seen the starting fluid method done but not done it personally. This video was a Godsend!! Filling the float bowls is a far better approach! Got the darn thing started and moved!!

[vandenro]

Awesome. Thank you. Great that you showed the bowl vents on the different makes of carbies.

[BeADad]

This is an excellent idea! I've always just dumped like 2 ounces of 2 stroke oil inside the barrels. Don't stop cranking it when it starts just keep the starter cranking and pump the gas peddle until you notice the engine is revving up and down when you press the accelerator! Also if it's been sitting for a long time, pull the spark plugs and put like 2 ounces of oil in each cylinder so they aren't dry when it starts! Great video! We will be the only cars on the road when an emp bomb goes off. Love my 3 jeep wagons, old garden tractors lawn mowers! All carbs! Make sure we all teach our boys how to overhaul and maintain these machines!

[lilpapa]

You are GOD send. My 67 cadillac had been sitting for a year after a new fuel pump was installed and couldn't get it cranked tried you suggestion and bam turned right over thanks!!!!

[DAP]

Wow.
You have helped me so much and I know very little about cars.
My ‘83 Imperial and ‘79 Seville started after the second try.
Genius.
Thank you a million.

[tomberge]

Excellent tutorial. I especially liked the comparisons of the different types of carburetors and fuel pump demo. with and without dry bowls.
Thank you
Tom

[MasonFrank-jpix]

My grandfather has Parkinson’s and cancer and his only wish is that I saved his old 85’f350 dump truck with the 351 winsor from rotting in a field, things been sitting for 15 years it’s a real clean truck I’m planning on doing a nice build with it and I pray to god that this tip works and lets me start a new future for the ole girl I’d love to show him before his time is out, I will for sure give you an update brother. I’m new to old motors I’m 18 with 0 knowledge any tips and tricks help tons!

[perezm]

I had a situation recently after replacing a fuel line for a repair and had not started my truck for about 3 weeks. I primed the carb with about a shot of gas and a spray of starting fluid down the throat of the carb to get it to start. I like this method though of filling the carb bowl through the vent opening and will keep it in mind for the future just in case.

[bandagefreak]

Thanks so much for this information! My old Mustang takes forever to drag the fuel up front after sitting for a week or more. I fitted a check valve but that gizmo is only good for a few days and then you're back to an empty fuel line again. I'll give your method a try - hopefully it will get my miserable neighbour off my case about my "very noisy car" - at least until it fires up! LOL

[blackgoat]

I daily my 84 Grand Wagoneer. Best upgrade is an in line electric fuel pump tied to a switch on the dashboard. Easy fuel prime when it's sat for a while and it keeps the line away from the block which keeps the fuel cooler. 👍

[sasz]

This is a good idea. I use starting fluid to help shorten the cranking time, but I think this method would work better.

[jake-hyzb]

Thank you, Sir. I have a number of engines that have been sitting for a long time. I had not thought of filling the bowls. I do however spray some oil in the cylinders and use a pressure pre-oiler before and after changing the oil and filter.

[slowcountryboy]

I do the same thing except that I use a ketchup like bottle.
I use the trick when installing a new/rebuilt carb.
I use the trick when when a vehicle runs out of fuel.

A huge problem with cranking and cranking and cranking an engine until it starts is that the battery gets damaged more and more with lengthy cranks.
Another problem is the starter gets fried more and more with lengthy cranks.
Finally, if the vehicle has a separate solenoid mounted on the fender or fire it can also be damaged by excess heat from cranking and cranking.
Cables, cable ends, and battery terminals get excessively hot, and can even melt.
Batteries are known to blow also; hopefully the person is sitting inside or away from a battery that blows.
Batteries make such a mess.

[lucaslorentz]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been looking for an easier method to start my 289 after the winter months. I’ll give this a try next spring!!

[louislepage]

This is a very good way to prime up the carburetor for dry starting. Thank you 😊

[elwrencho]

Great idea prevents backfiring like your video

[OWK]

Great Information! I thought I needed a new fuel pump - saved me a lot of time!

[hiramabiff]

Thank you so much! I restored a 1966 Mustang and she has not been started in three years. After replacing the coil I know I have spark. I put in a 500 CFM Edelbrock carb and never considered the float bowls were empty. (not a carb guy). I will try this today and write a follow up on the results.

[isaiahspinks]

Thankyou very informative and great visuals

[gene]

Done that for yrs to start a sitting car, or new engine, have a bottle of Lucas something that has a long tapperd spout, works great. Bronco started right up, smoked alot since it was fogged, empty tank has varnish in it so put a filter before new fuel pump and letting it sit a bit with new gas to see if it clears up, so maybe it can be driven a bit, its for sale and have another tank for who buys it. People (kids) act like a 42 yr old vehicle should be like new...its a bodyman special