Hard starting Buick 455

[Buicknutty]

The car is a 1968 Buick Wildcat convert (my wife's) and it has a 455 from a '70 Riv transplanted into it. From the wear and tear on the carb, I believe it to be the original. The biggest issue is cold starting. With a pump or two on gas pedal, then hit the starter, it fires right away, runs for a few seconds then stalls. The process is repeated, and each time the engine runs a bit longer, until it is warm enough to run on  its' own. The choke closes properly when cold, but during this start/ stall procedure, it will run for 10-20-30 secs, but when its' ready to stall, there's no saving it by pumping on the pedal, it just quits. Also, it helps to let it "rest" for 5-10sec before trying to re-fire, and it again fires right away, until it stalls again. Runs decent, but not quite right when warm. The primary shaft bushings are worn. We have not yet had this car licensed, so I do not have any knowledge of other drivability issues it may have.
I have Cliff's book, and have done many carbs, but never a q-jet.
Any suggestions?
Keith aka Buicknutty

[omaha]

even though the choke is closing, I have a feeling that it is shot. Maybe poor adjustment.

[Buicknutty]

I should of mentioned that I intend to to a rebuild on this carb, but I'd like some info with what might be wrong with the cold start circuit.
As to adjustment, could the pull offs be the problem?
Keith the Buicknutty

[omaha]

you know, I think that is very possible. If the choe pulloffs were opening the choke flap too wide, you would have some cold operating problems. Also, the fast idle adjustment needs to be right. What rpm's is the engine at when it dies out?

[Buicknutty]

I haven't put a tach on it, but it is at a fast idle speed, then, as I said before, it seems to die very quickly, as if it runs out of fuel, then after a few seconds it will re-start easily.
Keith

[omaha]

that is kinda strange. the only other thing I can think of would be the needle and seat sticking and maybe a weak fuel pump. but why just when its cold? I'd like to keep posted on this, ....interesting....

[Buicknutty]

I replaced the fuel pump with a new one, the correct one for the engine, and I am running it from a remote tank as the gas tank on the car has about a 3/4 tank of 20 yr. old gas in it. I haven't put a fuel pressure gauge though.
Keith

[Cliff Ruggles]

More than likely several problems exist.  Leaking bottom plugs (all pre-1969 carburetors will leak at the bottom plugs, even with JB Weld dabbed over them.

Choke pull-off unloading the choke flap too far on cold starts.

I would suggest getting our book, complete HP rebuild kit, and shaft bushing install kit.  A complete/correct rebuild with upgraded/Viton parts will cure the issues.....Cliff

[Buicknutty]

Cliff;
Thanks, I bought your book a while ago, and I have ordered some parts from you, and am looking forward to getting them.
Keith

[Buicknutty]

Well,its' been a while, but I finally got back to the Q-jet on the Wildcat. I had bought virtually everything that Cliff offered for parts on this beast, but got sidetracked with other things. So, I've now done a complete rebuild, and it had lots issues. The throttle shafts were very badly worn, lots and lots of gunk inside, with a few ports completely plugged up, so after going through it all, it has been a success.
 Now all is well, and it starts and runs beautifully!
Thanks to Cliff for the parts and advice!
Keith aka Buicknutty.

[Cliff Ruggles]

Good news!  And thanks!....Cliff