AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => Fuel Systems. => Topic started by: charlie D on September 08, 2020, 04:07:12 PM

Title: First start of day
Post by: charlie D on September 08, 2020, 04:07:12 PM

My 1986 Eagle, all stock, is hard to start first time each day. Once it starts, it runs fine and subsequent starts are quick. I am new to this car and have done just a few basic things -- plugs, plug wires, rotor, dist cap, sprayed carb cleaner to clean carb, checked vac leaks(none!). I am thinking the fuel must be draining out of the carb and on the first start I am "priming" it. Any thoughts? Thanks
Charlie D

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: AMC of Houston on September 08, 2020, 07:18:22 PM

OK; here's a few things that could aggravate that issue:

Return line at filter not at the 12-O'clock position (can "vapor-lock" even cold).

Low fuel pump pressure (not enough to overcome all the fuel going back to the tank thru the return line).  If a chronic issue, sometimes I add a restriction to the return line to get more fuel/pressure to the carb.

Choke adjustment (should perform all the carb adjustments per the AMC IS-12e service letter).  It takes more raw fuel to start if the flap is not closing like it should.

Old accelerator pump plunger (won't squirt enough fuel when cold and hard, making you think the carb is empty).

Its a start (pun untended!).

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: charlie D on September 09, 2020, 04:17:19 PM

Thanks George. I'll check those suggestions out. I do have the repairs manual to help guide me through most procedures. Will post what eventually solves the issue.

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: AMC of Houston on September 09, 2020, 09:28:32 PM

The IS-12e service letter superseded the manual for timing and carb adjustments.   I'll email you a copy.

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: Canoe on September 10, 2020, 10:33:21 AM

Quote from: AMC of Houston on September 09, 2020, 09:28:32 PM

The IS-12e service letter superseded the manual for timing and carb adjustments.   I'll email you a copy.

Could that be loaded into the Eaglepedia?

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: AMC of Houston on September 10, 2020, 03:46:20 PM

Dunno if its there or not.  I've attached the file if anyone can add it (hope its not too large).

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: mudkicker715 on September 10, 2020, 04:31:33 PM

I am sure Taylor can i hope. my experience is to keep my hands out of it, since my only experience is to give someone permission once. gonna shout TAYLOR'S name for help on this. otherwise when i get to a real computer tomorrow if I have time I can try.

Title: Re: First start of day
Post by: Taylor on September 13, 2020, 04:15:32 PM

Looking into it right now.
looks like it is there. looking for discrepancies now.
http://amceaglesden.com/guide/Correctly_setting_your_idle_speed_1980_-_1988