Car doesn't start right away. Have to pump the gas pedal 5-9 times before the engine will turn over.?

Question

I have an '84 Chevy Camaro Z28 that is in good shape for its age. Engine is the G code HO engine with 113K miles. When I go to start the engine first thing in the morning, it won't start. Holding the gas pedal down doesn't seem to work that great, but if I pump the gas pedal 5-9 times and THEN try to start it, it fires up almost right away. After that, it starts on the first try for the rest of the day. The problem only occurs after it has been sitting overnight. Any ideas on what the problem is? I'm doing most of the work on the car myself, and I'm pretty new to cars (I'm living out of my Haynes & Chilton's guides). Most of my money is going to parts to restore/improve the car, so I don't want to take it to a mechanic unless I absolutely have to... Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.

This is a 4bbl Q-jet carb engine.

Answer 1

You didnt say whether you have a quadrajet or two barrel carburator. But the carbs are both built almost alike. What you have here is a carb that is leaking its fuel back down into the tank after it sits a while.This is inherant with a G.M. carb. the problem is in between the throttle plate and the center body of the carb.The metering rods work up and down metering the fuel as you accelerate..Athe bottom of the metering well are two lead plugs that are intalled to stop any leaking well.these plugs in time deteriate around the edges and let the fuel leak back while it sits.When you try to start it in the morning, there is no fuel in the bowl to fire it up.As you pump the pedal, along with the action of the fuel pump,it eventualy gets enough fuel in the bowl to fire up the motor.The carb must be rebuilt and before you put it back together you must (the best thing to use is JB Weld) put the jb weld on top of the leaking plugs and let it dry for twenty four hours,then re-assemble the carb and re-install it on the manifold.Now of course there is no fuel in the carb at this point so pump and crank it till it starts and the problem is fixed.The best thing to do is get a good carb mechanic to do the job for you and it shouldnt cost more than 150.00

Answer 2

while the engine processor detects that the gasoline pedal is extensive open jointly as the engine is chilly, this is going to close down the sign for the injectors. this is to maintain you from flooding the engine, facilitates spark plugs that are already moist with gasoline to dry out, and shelter the engine. gasoline injected autos do not want you to pump the gasoline pedal. Pumping the pedal might make it extra durable to start. Calm your self and have faith the motor vehicle.

Answer 3

If this is a car that has a carburetor I would suspect that the gas pressure is bleeding off somehow at night it should stay pressurized to the carb.You can test this theory by cracking the pipe that brings the gas to the carb and see if there's pressure in the morning.Other than that I'm not sure.

Answer 4

the pumping of the pedal helps force gasoline into the carb. But try some carb cleaner cause it sounds like your choke might be sticking as well.

Answer 5

If its a cab engine it could be worn out.Needs overhaul.Not sure though.

Answer 6

its old, the gas tank filter is dirty