I recently bought the car of my dreams. My 72 Corvette. She gorgeous, and sounds amazing when she runs. But, I have a problem. When I start it up, I have to give it gas. Meaning no matter what it won't start without my foot on the gas pedal. Also, when it does start, I have to keep my foot on the gas and let it run at about 1.5k RPMs for about 10 minutes. This is just sorta annoying and wasting a lot of gas. When I bought it, the previous owner told me to use Premium, so I do. Now I could be wrong, but could this be affecting that? The engine is a brand new 350 (only 12k miles), with the 4 speed manual transmission. I just want to be able to start the car and go, but I can't do that because it will shut off if it's not warmed up. Any ideas would be great.

Thank you,
Alex

 

instead of your dreams how about some facts eg carb,choke,how does it run hot

 

I'm not much on the old school but it sounds like you need to adjust the carb of yours bud. I don't think you got the choke set right. Hope that helps!

 

Sounds to me like it may be a combo of the choke not working properly, and the carb needs adjusting.
Start and go? I don't reccomend that. Let 'er warm up so parts come to temp and clearances tighten up. Driving a cold engine putsextra wear on an engine. Piston slap is a big no no!

 

I was always taught to let it warm up before driving and to let it warm down before shutting it down as well.

 

You're absolutely right George!!![sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

Well first of all, it was typical of all cars in that vintage that the driver had to pump the gas once or twice and hold the throttle part way donw to light them off. It sounds to me like your idle adjustment (particularly cold idle admustment) and choke may not be working. Certainly does not seem very serious, though.

 

you may also want to check for pvs function or vacuum leak.

 

This is definitely good advice with a carbeurated motor.



Do you know for a fact about the 12K on the motor? Have you seen this on paper??? Even if so, a carb problem is only a safe ASSUMPTION.

If it's warm, you have a very good idle?


EDIT:
Premium gas is necessary only if you have a tight squeeze in the holes. Have you done a compression check? ALWAYS this is a good check of the general mechanical condition of the entire vehicle.

Where is this guy anyway? Only people come back if ya poke fun...[sm=sigh.gif]

 

Yep before fuel injection that condition was near normal on carb engines.
I would add to the choke setting to look for a vacum hose off or cracked.