4 barrel carb question

[northern buick]

My 57 Buick has a 4 barrel Rochester carb. After sitting for some time (days not years) I have to pump it about 20 times before I turn the key. Once the car is running (warmed up) it runs as smooth as an electric motor. But that starting is a pain. The round black choke thermo-spring has 2 electrical wires running to it so I am guessing it may have been converted to electric choke at some time. I have heard of gas draining back from the carb. Any suggestions out there???
Thanks in advance for any help...Northern Buick...Wayne Pruden

So, have since discovered my carb is a carter 4 barrel and the choke is not working. Someone, in the past, set it up for electric choke. I do have a glass sediment bowl just in front of the carb and there is always gas there. As well I can hear that first shot or so of gas from the accelerator pump. So ...bad choke it is

[BamaWildcat]

I've heard the accelerator pump's leather boot will wear out eliminating that extra squirt of gas the carb gets on the first accelerator pump that enables quick starting.

[58buickspecial]

my 58 is the same way, I think it the fuel pump isnt holding the presure and some of the gas goes backwards when the car is not running.

[58buickspecial]

Have you had to rebuils your engine yet? if so where did you go for parts, anywhere up here that has parts for these old naileads, if so how muck?

Good to see I'm not the only canuk in website, Later

[DualQuad55]

CHeck if the choke is closing with the key off, then it should start to open within 1-2min with the electric choke working.
The accel pump may also be a problem, but this will usually also give a stumble on initial accel from a stop.
Take the air cleaner off, and pump the throttle, can you see fuel coming out with the first few pumps? If so the problem may be elsewhere.
Make sure there is no vacuum leak and the carb is not sucking air somewhere.
A lean conditioncan cause this concern also.

[chris'50]

Put a clear glass in-line fuel filter up near the carb(where you can see it). After your car sits a few days, check it before trying to start the engine. I have a similar problem.
Haven't diagnosed the actual problem, but I did find that after 6 or7 days, my glass is empty(no, I'm not a pessamist) and I know she isn't going to fire off on the first cylinder. The car drives fine once she's started.

[38special]

Alot of it is just simple vapourization of the fuel from the carb. A least that has been my experience. As a result of a fuel pump failure, I replaced it with an electric pump. Then by turning the key on for a moment before attempting to start it will fill the carb to normal operating level.

[Smartin]

As Joe said, check to see if the choke is actually closing. Many overlook this when they have a hard start condition.

[riveng]

i agree with all of the above
they could all cause hard start problems
egge at http://www.egge.com/
is an excellent place for nailhead parts
and of kanter auto

[gstewart]

most likely the same problem as with the rochester 4v on the 70-72 cars. they bleed try after a couple of days sitting.