AQ260a hard to start

[AJ96150050]

Hello,

We purchased a 1986 Gibson houseboat last year and she's somewhat difficult to start. She has a single AQ260a with a newly rebuilt Rochester Quadrajet.

I installed an HEI distributor and installed the rebuilt carburetor that was purchased from a company that rebuilds them.

It took approximately 10-15 pumps of the throttle to start the first time. I let it run for 15 minutes, turned the engine off and tried to restart it again. I quit after 6 or 7 attempts. I'm stumped as I thought it would fire right up being it was warm with fuel.

I let the engine sit for about an hour and it started again after about 10-15 pumps of the throttle.

Would there be an advantage to replacing the quadrajet with a new Holley or Edelbrock?

Appreciate any advice.

Adam

 

[Scott Danforth]

First. Do you see fuel squirting into the carb throat when you pump the throttle once?

Second, What is your fuel pressure?

Third, what do the contents of your fuel filter look like?

4th, what are your compression numbers?

5th, is the HEI distributor a marine unit from Davis Unified? Or one from an auto parts store?

 

[AJ96150050]

Hi Scott. Answers below. Thanks

First. Do you see fuel squirting into the carb throat when you pump the throttle once? I'll have to check.

Second, What is your fuel pressure? No idea how to check that but willing to learn.

Third, what do the contents of your fuel filter look like? Filter is clean. Fuel system was recently upgraded to marine screw on filter/water separator.

4th, what are your compression numbers? Don't know. Also, willing to learn how to do this as well.

5th, is the HEI distributor a marine unit from Davis Unified? Or one from an auto parts store? GM Delco Voyager EST Marine Distributor

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[Scott Danforth]

Time to take a class on engines

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. Have a wee look up on how to start these engines to best effect. Look up the operation of the auto choke too.

 

[AJ96150050]

Hi. Have a wee look up on how to start these engines to best effect. Look up the operation of the auto choke too.

Thanks. I've done research and spoke with a number of owners about the engine. General consensus is pump the throttle until it starts. Was hoping there was a better solution for a quicker start.

 

[QBhoy]

Thanks. I've done research and spoke a number of owners of the engine. General consensus is pump the throttle until it starts. Was hoping there was a better solution for a quicker start.

It’s maybe more about knowing your engine too, being fair. Depends what kind of health the auto choke is in too, for function. They can stick on or off…or in between too. Worst thing with them is if you try and start by pumping when it’s in certain states of warmth