351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Ok, I put in a new coil, Pertronix2 ignition, set the timing. Runs great idles good, only a couple small backfires when I drove it, probably my fault, getting used to driving it :)

The problem is I have to hit it with starting fluid in the morning to get it started. Just a little spray and it starts right up and is good all day from then on.
Not real worried, but shouldn't it start w/o it?

I adjusted the idle so it wouldn't keep chugging after the ignition is turned off.
Any ideas on the cold start?

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Check the accelerator pump at cold start and make sure it sprays some fuel before initial startup when pumping the pedal. Fuel bowl may be leaking down overnight too. You may need a mild carb rebuild to address these items.

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Thanks for the advice. Can you run me through the steps on how to do that? I already rebuilt it, do I need to just remove the top of the carb, or the whole thing?

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Well, I was out dinking around with the truck and I think I may have found the issue
(I hope). In the mornings when I go to start it, I normally give it 2-5 quick pumps. I've been thinking that the accelerator pump would prime the carb, but I noticed tonight when I was pushing on it with my hand that it took a couple seconds for the pump to raise. So I wasn't allowing the pump to do it's job. Gonna hold the pedal in longer before releasing it.

I'll let you know if that's all it was tomorrow...

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

I need to adjust the idle on my 305E but unlike Chevy's 2BBL Rochester carbs, this original GMC 2BBL Stromberg carb does not seem to have an idle screw that I can see on the side linkage attached to the gas pedal - so where on yours did you find an adjustment screw?

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

The idle adjustment screws on the Strombergs are right in the front, one by each jet near the bottom where it bolts to the heat riser. There's pics of it in my build thread here. The screws are highlighted in blue about midway down.

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Those are the idle mixture screws. Some(most) carbs have an idle speed adjustment that is easily accessible, usually in the vicinity of the carb linkage. I suspect that is what he is looking for.

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

There's a screw that bottoms out against a plate in the throttle linkage too if that's the case. It faces the front of the vehicle and is located on the driver's side a little over midway up the carb.

Here's a pic of it where it says "grab your wrench looking piece"

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

I'll bet that's it! I just remembered I have a stock carb at home. I've never messed with this type. Even though I don't plan on using it maybe I will take it apart just to learn something about them.:)

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Thanks guys, I'll play with the idle mixture tomorrow. I took the carb apart again and messed with the timing-still the same. It runs ok, but I know if I knew what the **** I was doing, it would be better. All a learning process I guess.

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Is it chilly in the morning when you start it? If it is I am very jealous since I live in Vegas with 90° lows...

...anyways, I was wondering if your choke is working? All a choke does is enrich the mixture which is essentially what you are doing.

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

Too funny, you have good timing. I actually adjusted the choke last night because it wasn't closing all the way. I did that and pumped my pedal slower allowing the acc. pump to raise and it started this morning without starting fluid. I'm getting closer, still unsure if my timing is right or not. It still pops a couple times here and there but I think I'm gonna just start driving it as is.

I'm afraid if I mess with the idle mixture that I'll do more damage than good since I'm clueless at this stuff.

Re: 351e V6 Up and Running - Starting Issue?
 

This is where you need to start buying/borrowing tools. A timing light and a vacuum gauge would be pretty helpful right now.

Re: 351e V6 Carb Question?
 

Ok, It's been a while, but I did get a timing light and adjusted the timing. I still think it's a carb issue. I ordered a new vacuum advance, so I'll replace that and see if it still backfires on high rpms. I doubt that will fix it.

I want to make it a daily driver so I may replace the whole carb altogether. Does anyone know the right carb model and order number, and do they make a new carb for the 351e V6? I'm wondering if I'll need a special adapter to make it work?

I looked at Summit, and LMC, but can't really tell. No one ever lists the 351e.
Thanks for any info guys, I'm still pretty new at this, but I'm learning. I love this truck and want it on the road.