Engine not starting

[1974Blueflame]

I am able to start it up every morning whenever I want but as soon as I drive to my destination and shut it off then go to start it up again to leave it will not start unless it has cooled all the way down less than 130 degrees what could be happing or what do I need to do?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Try pumping the pedal when it won't start, just a little bit while cranking. If that doesn't work, push the throttle pedal all the way to the floor then crank it and sees what happens.

 

[Sad Sack]

If your experiencing fuel drain back, then possible fuel pump issue.
Maybe consider one of these:

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If fuel is percolating in the line check fuel lines for proximity to heat sources and don't run ethanol.

Only starting when it's cool is the weird part, that sometimes is a symptom of a bad HEI module but since yours is a '74 then it doesn't apply.

 

[1974Blueflame]

If your experiencing fuel drain back, then possible fuel pump issue.
Maybe consider one of these:

Amazon.com: Automotive-leader 8mm 5/16" Fuel Non Return One Way Check Valve for Petrol Diesel Fuel Oil Water Aluminium Alloy Accessories : Automotive

Buy Automotive-leader 8mm 5/16" Fuel Non Return One Way Check Valve for Petrol Diesel Fuel Oil Water Aluminium Alloy Accessories: Vacuum Tee Connectors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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If fuel is percolating in the line check fuel lines for proximity to heat sources and don't run ethanol.

Only starting when it's cool is the weird part, that sometimes is a symptom of a bad HEI module but since yours is a '74 then it doesn't apply.

There is hei distributed on it

 

[Ricko1966]

What carbureator is on it and what fuel pump is on it.Carry a can of carbureator cleaner,and a clean dry rag with you. Next time it won't start take off the air cleaner open the throttle, spray some carb cleaner through both barrels,see if it starts. That will give us some direction. If it doesn't start pull 1 plug wire off of a plug stick an old plug in it clamp the plug in a negative jumper cable and crank,look and listen for spark. Open the plug gap up on the junk plug,the rag is just in case it ignites the carb cleaner and doesn't start you can snuff out the little tiny fire before it's a big fire. Probably won't happen but better safe than sorry. These 2 things will tell us a TON about what's going on,we will know if it's fuel delivery,or ignition,and give us a path for further diag.

 

[Sad Sack]

There is hei distributed on it

That muddies the waters a tad bit. Like Ricko1966 (one very knowledgeable dude) said, use an alternative fuel source to determine starting status when it won't start and report back.

 

[legopnuematic]

May or may not have anything to do with your specific issues, but a 1974 would have been equipped with points. 1975 was the first year for HEI (with an optional HEI delete for buyers who still wanted points).

Why this is important is that a 1974 would have a resistance wire to drop the voltage down to 6-9 volts to keep the points/coil/condenser happy. If the resistance wire wasn’t bypassed you will be undervolting the HEI setup. HEI likes a good solid 12v power feed.

Easy enough to check and verify with a multimeter.

 

[1974Blueflame]

What carbureator is on it and what fuel pump is on it.Carry a can of carbureator cleaner,and a clean dry rag with you. Next time it won't start take off the air cleaner open the throttle, spray some carb cleaner through both barrels,see if it starts. That will give us some direction. If it doesn't start pull 1 plug wire off of a plug stick an old plug in it clamp the plug in a negative jumper cable and crank,look and listen for spark. Open the plug gap up on the junk plug,the rag is just in case it ignites the carb cleaner and doesn't start you can snuff out the little tiny fire before it's a big fire. Probably won't happen but better safe than sorry. These 2 things will tell us a TON about what's going on,we will know if it's fuel delivery,or ignition,and give us a path for further diag.

Holley Street avenger

 

[1974Blueflame]

What carbureator is on it and what fuel pump is on it.Carry a can of carbureator cleaner,and a clean dry rag with you. Next time it won't start take off the air cleaner open the throttle, spray some carb cleaner through both barrels,see if it starts. That will give us some direction. If it doesn't start pull 1 plug wire off of a plug stick an old plug in it clamp the plug in a negative jumper cable and crank,look and listen for spark. Open the plug gap up on the junk plug,the rag is just in case it ignites the carb cleaner and doesn't start you can snuff out the little tiny fire before it's a big fire. Probably won't happen but better safe than sorry. These 2 things will tell us a TON about what's going on,we will know if it's fuel delivery,or ignition,and give us a path for further diag.

Checked it earlier today after driving it how you said and still would not start until it dropped temperature not sure why it wouldn’t restart back up once ive ran it what are your thoughts

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Checked it earlier today after driving it how you said and still would not start until it dropped temperature not sure why it wouldn’t restart back up once ive ran it what are your thoughts

Did you try holding the throttle open while cranking? At least half throttle, if not more. No pumps no extra fluid. Just one push to hold the throttle down while cranking. You'll obviously have to let off as soon as it starts.

I will put money on it that it will start. Crank it for 3-5 seconds.

My Holley 670 wants open throttle to start after 10 minutes of sitting hot. It's not a big deal. All carbs do it to an extent. My Quadrajets have done it too, but not as much as the Holley.

 

[1974Blueflame]

Did you try holding the throttle open while cranking? At least half throttle, if not more. No pumps no extra fluid. Just one push to hold the throttle down while cranking. You'll obviously have to let off as soon as it starts.

I will put money on it that it will start. Crank it for 3-5 seconds.

My Holley 670 wants open throttle to start after 10 minutes of sitting hot. It's not a big deal. All carbs do it to an extent. My Quadrajets have done it too, but not as much as the Holley.

No that does not work either

 

[PrairieDrifter]

No that does not work either

Did you verify you have spark when the problem occurs by pulling a spark plug wire off?

 

[Ricko1966]

Checked it earlier today after driving it how you said and still would not start until it dropped temperature not sure why it wouldn’t restart back up once ive ran it what are your thoughts

Okay so did you have spark at your test plug?

 

[75gmck25]

Since it’s a hot start issue, fuel is probably the issue. However, as already suggested in previous posts, also make sure the HEI has a constant full 12 volt power feed.

When you have hot start problems, try this.
- get in the truck, floor the accelerator and hold it down (no pumping), then turn the key. This should make the choke pull-off open the choke and help clear any excess fuel that is causing flooding. Also have a buddy floor the accelerator and verify that the choke does actually pop open when the accelerator is floored.
- if you think it’s not getting enough fuel for a hot start, the simplest way to verify is to remove the air cleaner, pour about a 1/4 cup (or less) of gas into the carburetor, and then put the air cleaner back on (in case it backfires). Then lightly press the accelerator and turn the key to start. If it starts to fire after manually adding fuel, it indicates there was not enough fuel in the carburetor (evaporated, leaked, etc.), or a choke set too lean.

 

[82sbshortbed]

Fast or slow cranking? My 82 would slow crank after up to operating temperature because the starter would get heat soaked from the headers.