84 Horizon starting problems

[QwikSRT4]

the past couple days my Horizon is being a PITA to start. It will crank, but have trouble turning over. I have to pump the gas a couple times and then floor it. It'll start stumbling then finally turn over while causing a big plume of smoke lol.

It's a carb'd 2.2L. The motor only has 34K on it, so I wouldn't think it's anything internal.

I bought new plugs, wires, and a fuel filter to 'shotgun' troubleshoot, but is there any other place I should look?

[ol"blue]

Does your fuel filter still have the return line connected to it? If so, try unhooking it and blowing it out. When plugged up it can cause an over-rich condition. Costs nothing to check.

[Screamin4banger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QwikSRT4 the past couple days my Horizon is being a PITA to start. It will crank, but have trouble turning over. I have to pump the gas a couple times and then floor it. It'll start stumbling then finally turn over while causing a big plume of smoke lol. It's a carb'd 2.2L. The motor only has 34K on it, so I wouldn't think it's anything internal. I bought new plugs, wires, and a fuel filter to 'shotgun' troubleshoot, but is there any other place I should look?

only 34k? does it have the "recall" separator thingy on it? or the original fuel filter?

the original fuel filter has a nipple on it for return and the carb to air cleaner gasket is normal.

the recall stuff has a no nipple on the filter, extra hard line removed from the front of the engine, and a vapor separator / return thingy on a rubber covered plate that goes where the carb to air filter gasket was.

[QwikSRT4]

it had the original fuel filter on it...still had the chrysler sticker on it loL!

I replaced the filter and it seems to be starting a little better.

[Screamin4banger]

I just re-read your original post.
when you say "has trouble turning over", do you mean it cranks slow or it doesn't "catch" like it should?

if you gotta pump the smeg out of it, I might think the accelerator pump diaphragm might be torn.
~or~
you need the extra, extra gas when cold cause the choke isn't closing like it should.

another problem to investigate on these carbs would be charcoal from the canister getting in the bowl and mucking up the works.

^ that happened alot.

anyway, 34K in almost 25 years.... rebuild the carb and see what happens. the kit should be what? $15?
the bucket of dip will be the pricy thing nowadays. that and your time

Oh, and you didn't answer my question - both setups would have chrysler markings:

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamin4banger only 34k? does it have the "recall" separator thingy on it? or the original fuel filter? the original fuel filter has a nipple on it for return and the carb to air cleaner gasket is normal. the recall stuff has a no nipple on the filter, extra hard line removed from the front of the engine, and a vapor separator / return thingy on a rubber covered plate that goes where the carb to air filter gasket was.

[QwikSRT4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screamin4banger I just re-read your original post. when you say "has trouble turning over", do you mean it cranks slow or it doesn't "catch" like it should? if you gotta pump the smeg out of it, I might think the accelerator pump diaphragm might be torn. ~or~ you need the extra, extra gas when cold cause the choke isn't closing like it should. another problem to investigate on these carbs would be charcoal from the canister getting in the bowl and mucking up the works. ^ that happened alot. anyway, 34K in almost 25 years.... rebuild the carb and see what happens. the kit should be what? $15? the bucket of dip will be the pricy thing nowadays. that and your time Oh, and you didn't answer my question - both setups would have chrysler markings:

here's a pic of the fuel filter (new one):




And the engine will crank, but will not turn over (fire) until the throttle is mashed and the engine will stumble and then the idle will smooth out.

[Screamin4banger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QwikSRT4 And the engine will crank, but will not turn over (fire) until the throttle is mashed and the engine will stumble and then the idle will smooth out.

Well, Check your return like ol''blue recommended and if thats ok, I would say your needle is worn or your float isn't floating.... I dunno, something's flooding it on start-up.

how's the driving around town? on the highway? MPG's?

Others might disagree with me and there's other causes for a hard-start condition, but I would take a hard look at that 25 year-old carburetor.

[QwikSRT4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screamin4banger Well, Check your return like ol''blue recommended and if thats ok, I would say your needle is worn or your float isn't floating.... I dunno, something's flooding it on start-up. how's the driving around town? on the highway? MPG's? Others might disagree with me and there's other causes for a hard-start condition, but I would take a hard look at that 25 year-old carburetor.

Driving around town is alright, it hesistates just a little bit upon throttle but not horrible. I am at a half tank now, so I'm waiting to fill up again before I check the MPG.

What do you recommend I do to the carb?

[Screamin4banger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QwikSRT4 What do you recommend I do to the carb?

I'd start with the usual stuff...
(car off)
check to make sure the choke is operating correctly.
while looking down the primary barrel (a flashlight might help) give the accelerator a nice slow & steady crank by hand - you should see a nice steady stream - not spurty, spitty, or dribbly.
there's no real way to check float level (set that during a rebuild), look down the choke tower and make sure its not all wet with gas.
(car on)
If you really feel ambitious, and understand the risks, look down the primary barrel while the car is idling - you should NOT see gas dribbling.

I would rebuild the carb tho, Thats really the only way to ensure the needle & seat and float are doing their job.