I've noticed that as the weather has gotten cold, my carb won't stay on fast idle. I pump the gas once and the engine (351M) will crank and die in about 1-2 seconds. I'll do this 3 times until it 'catches' on fast idle. Some say only pump the gas once. I've always done it 2-3 times. I had an old Chevy(sorry) and I used to pump it 5-10 times to get it to start. Should I be holding the gas down at all when I engage the starter?

 

Pump 2 or 3 times and turn the key is what gets mine going.

 

pump gas 2-3 times turn key wait a second then hit the gas hard once to keep it going. let it warm up and go...

 

Same here...pump it a few times and hit it. Usually followed by a long "warm-up" period to let the "mellow" Flowmasters gently stir the neighbors.

 

Check your choke linkage, make sure it is free, it might be taking 2-3 times before the choke closes and sets fast idle. You can usually free up linkage if it is stiff by spraying and working linkage with carb cleaner. Burce

 

i gently rub the top of the dash in a clockwise circular motion. pump the
gas 3 times, say a prayor and stare at the cross that is hanging from the
rear view as i turn the key. i dont know what you are all doing. but it works
for me.

 

If the carburetor is tuned properly, no pumping is needed.

I depress the accelerator pedal slowly, then slowly let it back up then start.

 

For me I turn the key to the on position and slowly press the gas pedal to the floor once, release the pedal, turn the key and it fires right up and holds idle.

OJ

 

Depress accelerator pedal, set choke (manual), let accelerator pedal up 3/4 of the way, hit key and let it fast idle until motor reaches operating temp.

 

Push to floor, let up, and starts instantly. stab pedal after 10 seconds or so, comes down to the next lower setting, and I can drive away.

Warm, I dont even touch pedal, just hit the key and again, its pretty instant.

But my Holley is tuned/choke adjusted perfect, and the MSD setup helps too

 

i pump mine 2or3 times then it starts

 

Pump it 2-3 times, pull the chock and turn the key. Usually does it but it hasn't been to cold where I'm at yet.

 

Push pedal to the floor, and let up. Then turn the key, if it doesn't start the first time once or twice more with the starter and it starts. Usually catches the first time.

 

Should I have to press the pedal with my Edelbrock carb with electric choke?

 

Yes. You always press down with a carbureted engine. This is to set the fast idle on a cold engine.