47 Hudson Commodore 212 3 sp

[Deleted User]

47 Commodore Coupe Six w/212 ci 3 sp no od



When the car has set for a day or more, the engine doesnt seem to be getting enough gas to start. I've pumped the accelerator, no help. Checked the choke, almost completely closed, maybe get a match stick in the opening. I usually prime it with a tablespoon of gas. And after driving for couple of miles, if I park, eat, return to the car, it acts like it is still starving for gas. And may flood if I pump it.



My temperature indicator(gauge) on the dash shows the coolant to be pretty hot when I drive 3-4 miles, no way to check the exact temp yet. Thinking about a temp gauge(aftermarket) w/thermocouple attached to top of radiator or in the air flow right below the top.



I understand that others have had similar problems, and most of the time I am able to start it. But the 6 v system seem almost out of juice(battery) when it starts.



I would like to put a 12 v battery in it with an alternator then I could hang a fuel pump(12v) back near the gas tank.



If I am able to get the 12 v working, I would consider installing a pusher electric fan(12v) in front of the radiator.



What problems do you think I will encounter installing(say a one wire alternator)?

Will I have to change/remove the voltage regulator/relays? I know I will have to change light bulbs, battery, coil. Any thing else?? Thanks, Bob

Ol racer

Bob,

You may have basic fuel delivery problems. Ensure the heat shield is in place under the float bowel. If running warm ensure that all the baffles (Sides & bottom) are in place to prevent air from going out around the radiator.



If want guidance toward 12V System the early GM Alt is the best choice. There are step by step conversion Tips in the HET Club Home page under 'Other HET Links' then go into Ken Cates Stepdown Link.

Unknown

Bob just a suggestion on a few things to check. First of all if your compression is low it will be hard to start. If your spark is weak, same thing. You also could have a weak condensor although usually it will run rough all the time if it is. It could be a fuel problem but its not always the carb at fault.

As far as checking the temp of the engine I have found that using a laser type temperature tester is great as you can check the temp anywhere.I usually check the radiator at different levels, the hoses and different spots on the engine including the manifolds...gives you a pretty good idea of what is going on.

[Deleted User]

bobdriveshudson wrote:

47 Commodore Coupe Six w/212 ci 3 sp no od



When the car has set for a day or more, the engine doesnt seem to be getting enough gas to start. I've pumped the accelerator, no help. Checked the choke, almost completely closed, maybe get a match stick in the opening. I usually prime it with a tablespoon of gas. And after driving for couple of miles, if I park, eat, return to the car, it acts like it is still starving for gas. And may flood if I pump it.



My temperature indicator(gauge) on the dash shows the coolant to be pretty hot when I drive 3-4 miles, no way to check the exact temp yet. Thinking about a temp gauge(aftermarket) w/thermocouple attached to top of radiator or in the air flow right below the top.



I understand that others have had similar problems, and most of the time I am able to start it. But the 6 v system seem almost out of juice(battery) when it starts.



I would like to put a 12 v battery in it with an alternator then I could hang a fuel pump(12v) back near the gas tank.



If I am able to get the 12 v working, I would consider installing a pusher electric fan(12v) in front of the radiator.



What problems do you think I will encounter installing(say a one wire alternator)?

Will I have to change/remove the voltage regulator/relays? I know I will have to change light bulbs, battery, coil. Any thing else?? Thanks, Bob

Hi Bob---As far as the cold start is concerned, that choke valve should be completely closed & after warm up check the carb. anti-perculator cap for correct adjustment. After warm up & you shut down the engine for 20 minutes or so, the engine temperature continues to rise (since no water is circulating) & what gas is in the lines will expand & flood the engine when you attempt to start it. Maybe a new or rebuilt carb. would help overcome this problem. The 6 volt system is adequate to start that engine providing you have a large enough battery & all connections are clean & bright. Hope this helps.

Uncle Josh

Geoff Clark advocates lowering that carb float about 1/8 in to compensate for the lower specific gravity of the new gas. Works for me.