carb question - Jet

[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I really appreciate the knowledge of those using this board regarding not only Hudsons but all things mechanical. I have used things I've learned here to not only work on old cars but also my old tractors.

Now I have a question for those of you familiar with Carter 1-barrel carbs:

My 53 Jet can sit all winter long (or summer) in my barn and will start with a brief shot of starter fluid and run fine. If I try to restart it within a day or so, it will start immediately. However, if it sits for a couple of days it won't start unless I hit it with another quick shot of starting fluid.

Once started, it idles smooth and picks-up rpms fine.

The mechanical fuel pump seems to work fine. The carb does not leak fuel when it sits. The bowl is clean and you can see the gas being pumped in.

I'm guessing that I'll eventually need to open the carb and adjust the float, but I'm wondering if there are any external adjustments I might try before doing so.

It's starving for fuel after sitting, but again the pump seems to work well. Pumping the petal and letting the starter turn it over for awhile (no more than 5 seconds at a time) doesn't help, but again it will start easily if you restart it within a day or so.

Any ideas before I open up the carb?

thank you

Comments

  • jasper wrote:
    I really appreciate the knowledge of those using this board regarding not only Hudsons but all things mechanical. I have used things I've learned here to not only work on old cars but also my old tractors.

    Now I have a question for those of you familiar with Carter 1-barrel carbs:

    My 53 Jet can sit all winter long (or summer) in my barn and will start with a brief shot of starter fluid and run fine. If I try to restart it within a day or so, it will start immediately. However, if it sits for a couple of days it won't start unless I hit it with another quick shot of starting fluid.

    Once started, it idles smooth and picks-up rpms fine.

    The mechanical fuel pump seems to work fine. The carb does not leak fuel when it sits. The bowl is clean and you can see the gas being pumped in.

    I'm guessing that I'll eventually need to open the carb and adjust the float, but I'm wondering if there are any external adjustments I might try before doing so.

    It's starving for fuel after sitting, but again the pump seems to work well. Pumping the petal and letting the starter turn it over for awhile (no more than 5 seconds at a time) doesn't help, but again it will start easily if you restart it within a day or so.

    Any ideas before I open up the carb?

    thank you
    Walt here. Do not touch your carburetor as that is not the problem. The problem is today's gas, that is why all cars from 1985 on up have sealed gas tanks. All cars from 74 down have the gas tank vented, the carburetors are vented and here lies the problem. Today's gas will dry out in 2 or 3 days. Put a quart in a open pail, let it set outside 2 days and it will all disappear and leave a varnish stain on the bottom. That is why I tell all to install an electric fuel pump to prime carb when left sitting. What ever you do, do not try to seal your gas tank as you will ruin it.
  • good advice - thank you Walt
  • I have the same problem with my Jet, If it has sit for a couple of days I have to pump the s#@#$ out of the gas peddle to get it to start.



    Barry Smedley

    53' Super Jet

    and a bunch of Crosley's
  • TOM-WA-
    TOM-WA- Senior Contributor
    HORSE FEATHERS....



    I can let my car sit all winter long. I try to start it up and let it run for awhile

    each week.



    When summer rolls around and I'm driving it alot it fires right up each and every time.





    I run todays GAS and Todays Oil and have never had a problem...
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    The problem with the Jet appears to be leak-back through the fuel pump valves. As Walt says, because the carb is vented, the fuel just evaporates. My Hornet will fire up, after sitting for weeks, with minimal winding over on the starter, but the Jet, after just four days requires at least three extended wind-overs to get it running. The fuel is just not there at the pump to be delivered. I just take the air cleaner off now, and give it a squirt of ether and it fires up straight away.

    Geoff.
  • Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:
    The problem with the Jet appears to be leak-back through the fuel pump valves. As Walt says, because the carb is vented, the fuel just evaporates. My Hornet will fire up, after sitting for weeks, with minimal winding over on the starter, but the Jet, after just four days requires at least three extended wind-overs to get it running. The fuel is just not there at the pump to be delivered. I just take the air cleaner off now, and give it a squirt of ether and it fires up straight away.

    Geoff.
    Geoff, your gas must be different from ours. All gas here dries out if left 3 or more days. Starter fluid is a big seller here. If a new car gas tank cap is not tight, the check engine light comes on. We in CA. really have a bad time with smog checks. Walt.
  • When the temperature reaches 105 or so here in the San Joaquin; the gas in the carbs will evaporate is a few days.



    Jim Gerik

    Reedley, CA
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