Procedure for starting a 55 Belevdere

[wiltoole]

Ply46 -- Thanks for all the great tips ...... sorry I didn't reply immeadiately, some family med. problems.
Really appreciate the advice. Wil

[plym_46]

Does it have an automatic choke and is it operating properly?  When cold the choke butterfly should close when the accelorator is pushed to the floor.  It should stay closed and set the high idle cam after the acc pedal is released.  The device on the manifold has a bimetalic strip in it who's job it to pull of the choke as the engine warms up.  If these aren't functioning correctly the system won't work as designed. 

The procedure to start a cold engine would be to floor the gas pedal and release it, to close the choke, then hold the pedal 1/4 to 1/2 half way open while cranking the starter.  When the engine catches, release the pedal to allow it to go to high idle.  to start a warm engine, the pedal should be held slightly open while cranking the starter. 

The other things related to starting are proper sized cables, tight clean connections on all ignition related wiring, properly set timing, and properly set float level. Also assure that the coil wire is firmly seated in the distributor. Of course this all assumes properly gaped plugs and points.

[57plymouth]

Sounds like every Flathead Six I have been associated with.

[wiltoole]

I recently purchased a 55 Belevdere.  Problem starting it.  Sometimes easy and other times cranks and cranks.  When it does start, it requires several minutes of warm up before the engine can be taken above idel.  What is the proper procedure for starting it?