Engine Difficult to start when cold

[TEYESpider]

Hi

I could use some help trouble shooting my 79 spider.

When I turn the ignition when cold the crank turns and turns until it sounds like it's going to stop turning (almost like it builds up pressure somewhere) then the car starts up.

It's always done this but lately it's seemed to turn more before it starts.

Some new parts I've added
battery
alternator
plugs and wires

It starts on first crank when warm.

What could be causing the difficult starting? Not sure how to tell if the starter or fuel pump are going bad. The starting problem will definitely wear down the starter.
thanks

[kmead]

I would start by replacing the fuel pump. It has likely gotten old and is no longer drawing the fuel properly so when the fuel evaporates from the carburetor bowl it takes a long time to get a decent amount of gas in to start the car.

A local owner was having this same issue and a new fuel pump cured all of his problems. I would also look at the one way valves as well as they can get clogged and allow fuel to drain back into the tank.

Karl

[TEYESpider]

Thanks - will do. Where is the pump located on the car?

[kmead]

left side of engine, just behind and above the oil filter housing.

Two nuts and two hose clamps. Ten minutes tops.

[djchan]

I would recommend switching to an electric fuel pump. If your car has been sitting for more than 2 or 3 days, then the pump has to prime the gas system before it can get into the manifold. In really cold wx you may only get once chance to get it going so you want it to count. You don't want to waste engine cranks to prime the carb. I had starting problems before I switched to an electric pump. Now I turn key to on, depress the gas pedal once, wait about 2 seconds and then try starting the engine. It usually starts within 2 seconds or much less. '79 NYC street car for the last 16yrs. Alternate side parking twice a week. Also don't bother with the square fuel pumps ( they make too much noise, and I'm hearing impaired )

[So Cal Mark]

before I replaced a pump that may work just fine, I'd do some diagnosis. It's common for the accelerator pump diaphragm to leak, and that will empty the float bowl. Also, the choke may not be working and stuck in the open position. Fuel pumps don't usually cause a starting problem and then work fine once the engine is running

[jkn070458]

Sounds like the timing jumped a tooth.

[TEYESpider]

An update.
I replaced the accelerator pump. Easy to change but didn't fix the issue. Starter died. Just replaced the starter and starting issue has gotten worse.

Difficult to start when cold and warm. Runs ok after starting.

I'll check the choke next.

[IndyMark]

I'm fighting the exact same issue. After sitting overnight or more, I have to crank for 5-10 secs for 4 or 5 times before fuel gets to the carb. I wait about 10 secs between tries to let the starter cool down but I know its not good for it. I don't think its a fuel pump. I'm considering installing an electric pump but to me that is treating the symptoms and not the root cause since I know other 79 owners that do not have this problem.

The one-way valves is an interesting theory because I've removed mine. Where can you buy those and where should they be installed?