455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

My friend has a 1969 442 olds ( all original and restored)
that will not start after sitting for 3 days.

Dump some gas in the carb and it will fire up and run.
It will restart again for 2 days
but on the 3rd day it will not start without dumping gas in the carb.

He has to crank on it and crank on it and it will not get gas up to the carb.

We tried a filter with a check valve (stock style in the carb inlet) that didn't work.

I think it's the fuel pump.

What do you guys think.

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Pull the base off and check the wells for the primarys, these are notorious for leaking down over time. A little epoxy will do the trick

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

X2 what Chuck said. I would also check to be sure that the fuel lines from the pump to the fuel tank are in good shape. Rusted-thru, cracked or a leaking line could cause similar problems.

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Most of the Q-jet rebuild kits come with a two-part epoxy and plugs to replace the factory main well plugs which, as Chuck mentioned, are notorious for loosening over the years and causing just the problem your friend is experiencing.

Lew

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Does this car has a return gas line to the fuel tank? I have an all original 69 camaro with the original 350-300hp and original Q-Jet with the factory style external fuel filter that has a return fuel line and it will not start easy after sitting for a while. It does the same as you describe. I have taken the carb apart after its been sitting for a while and the fuel bowl is bone dry. I don't use the small fuel filter in the carb only the factory external inline filter with the built in return line....Luke

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

sounds like the well plugs to me!

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

OK
But if it was the main well plugs, why would the pump be dry? He has to crank this thing for a LONG time and it gets no gas to the carb when you push the accelerator pump down nothing comes out, even after cranking for a long time, so long in fact he ran the battery dead.
I need to see if he has a return line or not.
I haven't seen the car yet.

I will J-B WELD the main wells. Also I'm gong to look and see if it has a "windowed" needle and seat. I remember reading someplace that can cause it to leak back as well.

Thanks for the Ideas!!!

HOOO YA Just for the record...
You have 37 days before BIR opener! :)

GLEN

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

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Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Fuel filter in the tank clogged,or collapsed.Wont pass enough fuel unless the engine is cranking over?

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

THANKS!!
WE ARE GOING TO PULL THE TANK AN CHECK THE PICKUP.
He got a new fuel pump as well and it HAS the return system on the pump.
KEEP THE IDEAS COMING!
THANKS TO ALL FOR THE TIME AND KNOWLEDGE!!!
GLEN

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

I used to make my living building those things. Love them, btw.
When I tun into that, it is often the last guy failed to put the little wire hook on the inlet needle, or hooked it on the float arm on the wrong side. Ends up, if it was left off , the needle sticks in the seat, it should be pulled open as fuel evaporates, or leaks out through the main well plugs. Gum or varnish build up on the little Viton tip aggravates this. If just the main well plugs leaking, the bowl should fill right back up when you crank it. That is a small bowl, it does not take long to fill back up. That little wire hook, if installed at all, goes over the round part of the float arm over the needle. Not over the straight back side. Saw that a lot, as well as leaving it out.
Good luck.

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Check the fuel sock ,,, on the tank ...or pump the fuel pump and see if it is constant good luck...............

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Back in my dealership days, we had an Olds Cutlass with a 350 4 barrel motor, same issue- no start after sitting. The carb was empty when this happened, and it had a difficult time pumping fuel to it at a cranking speed.After trying a few things, we ordered and installed a fuel pump and new neoprene hoses(which really were'nt the problem,) and the hard start problem went away with the new pump.If the bowl plugs leaked that badly, the engine would have all kinds of raw fuel inside it, and it probably would idle very rich. This car didn't exhibit that. No black clouds of smoke,etc. Start with a fuel pump, then make sure the hoses are in good shape. As far as dropping the tank to check the nylon sock, this car is probably old enough to need one. Sock particles going through the fuel system could cause further aggravations.

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

I KNOW EXACTLY what you are talking about I see this all the time it is tempting and also in some ways, looks to be the way it should go, BUT IT'S NOT!
I'll take it apart and inspect it.I still am going to change the pump.

Thanks!

Re: 455 OLDS WILL NOT START Q-jet
 

Thanks
I am going to try a pump and have a close look at the carb, the tank has been replace with a new one I guess??