[Razzle1980]

Hey everyone, so I've been enjoying the s*&t out of my 66 mustang since I got it 4 months ago. I've gotten the hang of starting the engine based on the following advice:

For cold starts, pump gas 3-4 times, let auto choke do it's thing, and start the engine
For warm starts, press gas pedal 1/4 to 1/2 and start the engine

My cold starts have been working out great. However, my warm starts are a hit or miss. Is the above advice correct? Sometimes the engine starts right away when it's warm. Other times it turns over several times until it catches. Also, what is considered a warm start? In other words, how long does the engine have to be off for to be considered a cold starts vs. warm start?

 

[GypsyR]

Well, you have to temper things with your judgement and experience. Plus add in that old cars tend to have "personalities". As in what my car responds best to may not apply to yours.

My best results when "hot" are to touch nothing but the key until it fires up. Often almost instantly with a healthy engine. If it doesn't, then and only then do I open the throttle. A lot. Problem with opening the throttle is that the accelerator pump also gives you a shot of gas when you depress the pedal. Great when it's cold but the opposite of what you want when hot. People who pump their gas pedals when the engine is hot tend to "flood" them.
I've also had older engines that were a bit low on compression or whatever where that didn't work at all and you had to immediately press the gas pedal about halfway down for them to fire up well when hot. So almost the exact opposite of what I just said. You just have to experiment. And if you redo the tune, you might have to learn a new starting habit as it could respond differently.

 

[Travis98146]

GypsyR is correct. Classic cars are a lot like us "older" folks. We, cars included, can tend to get a bit cranky about getting "started". My 70 GMC takes 4 or 5 pumps to start on a cold morning (after sitting for a few days). After it is warmed up just a little, it starts without touching the gas. Learn your classic's moods and you'll be a lot more comfortable with it.

 

[RV6]

I agree that all classics have their own desires for starting. My 67 takes 1 pump in the summer and a bump of the starter to fire. Come fall, it takes two pumps to get her to go. In winter, I don't know as she's stored in her climate controlled stable.

Hot starts in the summer, like when stopping at the beer store on the way home, I use no pedal action and she cranks for a few seconds and fires. Sometimes sooner, sometimes later. It all depends on how long I talked with the babe behind the counter.

Learn what the car likes and do it.