[Greg Reimer 7376]

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.