tough cold start

[ripple]

She will crank and crank on a really cold morning until I add a little gas. Starts really well when it is warmer. The fuel level in the bowl is correct and my accel pump is functional. I have hot wired the accel/decel fuel valve. This was a problem before that rigging. I am guessing weak fuel pump. Any ideas before I take that guess to the autoparts store.
thanks

 

[bhk]

Choke adjustment?

I had this same problem back in the fall. I adjusted the choke cable so that the choke valve closed all the way when the cable was pulled all the way out. The problem went away.

 

[FJ40Jim]

What do you mean "add a little gas"? How and where do you add?

When is the fuel level in the bowl correct? As soon as you begin cranking? Or does it have to crank many turns to get the bowl filled back up to see fuel on the glass?

Is the choke blade completely closed when knob is pulled out?

Questions, questions... Man I'm a PITA.

 

[yournamehere]

My timing was "retarded" a lot. the truck still ran but was very hard to start. I advanced it as far as I could without it pinging, this has made a dremendous difference in how easily it starts.

 

[ripple]

thanks for the quick responses,
I will check the choke, the fuel level is good before, during, and after cranking. With the top nut off the carb/air cleaner I can pour a little gas down the threaded rod. The truck has run like a champ with the timing as is for a long time and the problem is cold related so I'll save that one after the fuel delivery is ruled out.
again,
gracias

 

[FJ40Jim]

OK, if gas is poured into the intake, the engine starts. That is normally the job of the AP.

So either:
- the AP isn't shooting,
- or the operator is not pumping the h*%ll out of the throttle on cold mornings.