Truck struggles to start but will.

[Droski]

Hello

 

I'm having an issue getting my truck to start correctly. It's 1966 520. So it will start on the first try without any problems but a quick drive to the liquor or gas station were the engine needs to be shut off is when it struggles to start back up. I can hear the starter trying to turn over and after a few turns of the key or just holding the key in it will start. It never fails to start it just struggles. Has anyone had a problem like this?

[datzenmike]

The obvious is that the engine is warmed up. This can affect the valve lash so confirm that it is correct.

 

Ignition...

Check the plugs, clean if dirty and replace if the electrodes are eroded. Use only NGK plugs.

Inspect the wires and the cap and rotor. If old or cracked, replace. 

Check the points are in good shape or replace. The setting will be around 0.022", then...

Check that the ignition timing is correct. Do timing after points are set.

 

Carburetor...

When warmed up and idling as low as you can get it, adjust the idle mix screw in or out for the fastest smooth idle. In is lean and out is rich, but there is about one full turn where it idles strong... just set in the middle. Lower the idle speed and continue turning the mixture screw in and out to find the smoothest strong idle. Repeat as many times as necessary until you  get the idle around 700-800 RPM and cannot improve it.

 

When warmed up and you shut it off, take the air filter off and see if gas is dripping down into the primary or secondary barrel. Look at the glass on the front of the carb also. Is it about half way up or at the level mark. If above the line or dripping gas into the engine it is flooding. This may just be needing the float set properly. A flooding carb can run but is very hard to restart.

[Droski]

mike thanks for the help

i actually purchased a new starter from rock auto and now the truck starts just fine