Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Tips for starting the engine after car has been sitting all winter.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

No special care needs to be taken when you start it I feel. Crank a few times, pump the pedal, crank a few times more and pump the pedal. The fuel will eventually make it to the carb. Winter storage is considered short term storage and thats what I was doing with my 66 year after year.

Just make sure your battery is good and charged and if you have a battery charger. Put that on the battery and plug it in when trying to start it in the spring, then your not draining the battery so bad.

The fuel injection guys dont have this problem. Just cycle the key forward a few times to prime the fuel system and away you go.

Lost in the 60s · President

jim larson wrote:
Just back in time from FL to experience some cold weather.
I was thinking about some issues regarding starting the engine after it has been sitting for the winter or couple of months. It seems that most of the fuel has evaporated from the carb, so it takes quite a cranks before it starts. Is this a problem or should I manually (like using a food baster) put some fuel into the front bowl of the carb though the air vent, it's a old 4160 Holley, so it fires right away? Thanks
Actually, letting it crank to fill the bowl will build oil pressure and begin the pre-lube process before it starts, which is good. I just started my Camaro today after 3 months and it needed a lot of time to get gas and start and the oil pressure gauge was reading 30 lbs by the time it fired off...

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

I started mine about a month ago should do it again soon. I do nothing special.

John D · 2K+ Club

Like you mentioned, an ounce or two of fuel through the vent, turn the key and start it... but do a once-over under the hood for obstructions, and put the air cleaner back on before starting it.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Thanks for all tips.

bowtie · Secretary

I have always let it crank for the reason Mitch posted. It helps get the oil circulated because you don't really want to fire up your car without having built up oil pressure. Even with my EFI, the fuel pump is set on an oil pressure switch so it won't pump fuel until oil pressure is there.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Now you've got me worried that it might start too soon.

Maybe I should pull the coil wire and let it crank, with battery charger on as Chris suggested, until the oil gague indicates the oil pressure is up to par. Then re-connect the coil wire and start the car.

bowtie · Secretary

Yep, that's what I ahve done on carb'd cars.

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

started up the Chevelle yestrday and it sounded great. Can not wait to take it out. Still have not done a thing to it this winter there is way to much going on in the house. Way to many projects and I am a slow worker. I think next month we are going to have to get to work in the garage.