Hard to crank... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

K5Danny · 08-09-2011, 09:44 AM

Forgive me if this topic is covered elsewhere. My 72 Blazer is a monster to get started after it has been sitting a few days. It has a 350 with the Q'jet carb. Someone wire tied the choke to one position, so I'm not sure if I should investigate that or not. I usually pump the gas 3-4 times and turn it over with about half throttle. If it doesn't hit, I'll repeat. Usually after about 3-4 minutes of this it will finally crank. The starter solenoid or ignition switch is going bad too, so usually during this time, the starter won't even work for a few minutes. I'll fix that problem this weekend, but I'd like to know how to remedy the situation of getting it cranked.

Thanks in advance!

68panelman · 08-09-2011, 09:57 AM

I would get the choke to function properly first, you will be surprised how quick she'll lite up then. If still hard to start, go through the tune-up process.

K5Danny · 08-09-2011, 10:24 AM

Thanks 68! I forgot to mention that after driving the Blazer around Sunday, she started getting some kind of engine vibration. She wasn't running hot or anything. Oil and coolant were both fine. I'm with you on the possible need of a tune up. I noticed both head gaskets have slight leaks, but I'm not ready to tackle that job yet. For the time being, I'll grab some new plugs and cables, get the timing checked, and possibly rebuild the carb. My dad has a spare Q'jet at his house, so I may rebuild it and just do a swap.

68panelman · 08-09-2011, 10:27 AM

Sounds like a plan, good luck Danny

wiggins · 08-12-2011, 03:02 PM

Some times on older carbs the accelerator pump will let gas bleed back out of the carb when sitting awhile. I have a few that do this, lol. You just basically keep punching the pedal repeatedly until it fires up. Its bc you have no gas in the bowl and have to wait until enough gas is pumped back into your carb. Not sure if thats your problem though. It also sounds like your selenoid on your starter is spazing out when its get hot from cranking on the truck for extended periods. When it cools a bit it works againg. Probably just from cranking on it to long. Good luck with all your little issues. A wise old man once told me it was the little things that will get you, so just be patient. I am still working on that, lol

08-09-2011, 09:44 AM	#1
K5Danny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 36	Hard to crank... Forgive me if this topic is covered elsewhere. My 72 Blazer is a monster to get started after it has been sitting a few days. It has a 350 with the Q'jet carb. Someone wire tied the choke to one position, so I'm not sure if I should investigate that or not. I usually pump the gas 3-4 times and turn it over with about half throttle. If it doesn't hit, I'll repeat. Usually after about 3-4 minutes of this it will finally crank. The starter solenoid or ignition switch is going bad too, so usually during this time, the starter won't even work for a few minutes. I'll fix that problem this weekend, but I'd like to know how to remedy the situation of getting it cranked. Thanks in advance!

08-09-2011, 09:57 AM	#2
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,456	Re: Hard to crank... I would get the choke to function properly first, you will be surprised how quick she'll lite up then. If still hard to start, go through the tune-up process.

08-09-2011, 10:24 AM	#3
K5Danny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 36	Re: Hard to crank... Thanks 68! I forgot to mention that after driving the Blazer around Sunday, she started getting some kind of engine vibration. She wasn't running hot or anything. Oil and coolant were both fine. I'm with you on the possible need of a tune up. I noticed both head gaskets have slight leaks, but I'm not ready to tackle that job yet. For the time being, I'll grab some new plugs and cables, get the timing checked, and possibly rebuild the carb. My dad has a spare Q'jet at his house, so I may rebuild it and just do a swap.

08-09-2011, 10:27 AM	#4
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,456	Re: Hard to crank... Sounds like a plan, good luck Danny

08-12-2011, 03:02 PM	#5
wiggins Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Deep East TEXAS Posts: 453	Re: Hard to crank... Some times on older carbs the accelerator pump will let gas bleed back out of the carb when sitting awhile. I have a few that do this, lol. You just basically keep punching the pedal repeatedly until it fires up. Its bc you have no gas in the bowl and have to wait until enough gas is pumped back into your carb. Not sure if thats your problem though. It also sounds like your selenoid on your starter is spazing out when its get hot from cranking on the truck for extended periods. When it cools a bit it works againg. Probably just from cranking on it to long. Good luck with all your little issues. A wise old man once told me it was the little things that will get you, so just be patient. I am still working on that, lol __________________ Preserving American History one truck at a time. Last edited by wiggins; 08-12-2011 at 03:10 PM.

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