Hesitates to start

[Call Her Bu]

I have a 81 Malibu with a 283 V8 & 200R4 trans. I was wondering if anyone can help me trouble shoot the issue with the car hesitating to start every time. I have to keep pumping the gas or hold it til it starts. I've changed the fuel filter, bought a new carb and used gas treatments to help it out but I still get the same results. can anyone help? Thanks.

 

[MightyCarlo86]

Im not too knowledgeable but are you sure its a fuel issue and not a problem with your ignition system?

 

[hurst1979olds]

Check your timing and report back.

 

[Call Her Bu]

Ok I appreciate the advice. I'll try the timing and see what happens.

 

[carmangary]

What do you consider hesitation. Mine never starts the first try after sitting awhile. Always starts the second try, though.

 

[badlad]

What kind of choke setup do have there also?

 

[Call Her Bu]

@Carmangary-But it seems like I have to keep pumping the gas and after it starts it smells like gas and smokes a lil.

@Badlad-I have an electric choke 600 edelbrock carb.

 

[pontiacgp]

I have to keep pumping the gas or hold it til it starts

if you have to hold the gas pedal down to start it then it's flooded.

 

[85olds]

setting up carbs is a fine art. lots of things need to taken into consederation, primary pull off ,secondary pull off (if it has one ) fast idle screw, tempature where you are (to set the electric choke) idle mixture screws,

if you are not sure ....take it to some one the does ......it will be well worth the money and less frustrating

 

[Call Her Bu]

I've adjusted the screw on the carb once the car was warmed up but it's still the same issue. I might just go to a shop that specializes in older cars rather than a late model car shop. Thanks for all the advise and tips guys.