6 pumps on a carb to start

[bradnree]

I have a '47 and it takes 6 pumps on the carb to get the engine to start. What is the problem. Carb is rebuilt.
I have the same problem with a Chevy 350 and it takes 8 or more pumps. Problem ?
BRAD

[Scott]

Brad, it could be a sign of a weak fuel pump. It can make a big difference.

[glen]

If it is a weak fuel pump, try and do a rebuild, before trying
to find a new one that will work.....just a personal opinion!

glen Brose - Perkinsville, AZ

[59r2]

Somethings to answer
Does the car have a hand or automatic choke?
The gas could be being boiling out when paked,
Is the heat riser sticking ?
Are you pumping while cranking?
Are these full stroke pumps or feathering?
If it is always 8 pumps seems pretty consistentcould be normal.
For the 350 pump two times ,then once to the floor to set the choke then crank.

1959 HARDTOP R2 clone
1960 conv
SDC member since 1972

[Dick Steinkamp]

I don't see how the fuel pump could be the culprit. If the fuel pump delivers enough fuel to run the car, you can't ask for much more.

Does this happen when the engine is warm, cold, or both?

If only when cold, and if you are cranking while pumping, I'd suspect the fuel is evaporating from the float bowl when it sits for a while. The cranking fills the float bowl, and then it starts...the pumping is a "red herring".

Other possibilities are a choke not working properly or the accelerator pump not working properly.

[buddymander]

I bet you aren't getting full squirts. Maybe because the bowl is almost empty from a leak. Or the linkage needs an adjustment between acc pump and the throttle plate linkage.