Author Topic: Cold start problems  (Read 2757 times)

Offline 455man

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Cold start problems
« on: November 14, 2013, 08:34:06 AM »
I have an Olds 455 bored .060 with a 490 lift, 230@.050 duration cam.  Cast iron heads have the heat crossover welded shut, Performer intake.  Carb is a 17080213 off a 1980 chevy 350 truck.   It's been rebuilt.  I'm a novice when it comes to Quads but was able to change the secondary rods to CE(.0410) from CH (.0567).  I'm sure the primaries need richened up too but I'm not sure what to start with.  I put an electric choke on it.  It starts but idles real rough when cold.  I have to hold my foot on the pedal to keep it running.  If I dont let it warm up long enough it dies backing out of the driveway.  Sometimes runs like it's only hitting 4 cyclinders.  It has a hesitation off idle even when warm.  Runs good after about a mile of driving.  WOT it hesitates then sputters til the secondaries kick in then it smooths out.  I also wondered if the power piston spring needs changed.  I have about 13inches of vacuum at idle. 

Offline omaha

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Re: Cold start problems
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2013, 11:07:14 PM »
with the heat crossover welded shut, it makes it hard to idle when the engine is cold. You may need to adjust the choke some more, eg; fast idle cam, opening of choke, rate of opening etc. The heat is there to vaporize some of the mixture and now it is not there. you will need a rich mixture at cold engine temps. Also, chevy trucks are notoriously set up very lean, especially the late 70's early 80'S llike yours. You may also need a higher flowing needle and seat. Rebuilder carbs use generic parts that are barely up to the task on a performance motor. I don't know who rebuilt the carb or what kit was used but most kits today leave a lot to be desired. That is why Cliff is in business and is working around the clock (at least it seems that way..) He has the best kit's on the market and they are reasonably priced. I'd call Cliff to get a kit "tailored" to your specific needs. I think this carb might not be the best choice for your specific combination on the 455 Olds engine. I would look for a 1977 -78 Oldsmobile carb. It would be easier to deal with and get closer to what you need. (JMHO).

Offline 455man

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Re: Cold start problems
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2013, 09:17:40 AM »
I adjusted the choke pulloff and the fast idle and it seems to be idling a lot better when cold.  I dont think the choke was pulling off at all before.  I'll do some research and play with the jets/rods and do some mods while inside the carb.  I dont have money for the right carb so I'm working with what I have.  It is the 800 CFM carb so I'm hoping I can get it dialed in. 

Offline 429bbf

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Re: Cold start problems
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2013, 07:40:16 PM »
i totally agree with omaha. (the question is rebuilt )iv taken apart quite a few rebuilt carbs . (new needle and seat .125 crappy acc.pump.bent arms.wrong jet and rod combo.iv bought all my kits from cliff and had no problems . the one from napa lasted 20 minutes and the acc. pump seal fell off. i run that same carb on a well built 460 ford .built to cliffs 2nd receipe . id have to look at my notes but i think i have 75 jets and 53m rods. great performance and excellent mileage . 15mpg 1979 f250 4x4. fwiw