I have a 79 k10 that I've been working on, and I gave it a full tune up, plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, ignition coil, belts, air filter and oil change. I even rebuilt the carburetor. After all this, it would start up pretty easy. Four pumps on the gas pedal and it would crank about four or five times and start right up. Now that the weather is a little colder, I can't seem to find the best way to start it as easily as it used to. Any tips to get it to start better in colder weather?
If the choke isn't working properly you can convert it to a manual choke that you have direct control over. Also make sure the ignition is giving a strong spark, timing is on the mark, and plugs are clean and properly gapped. Also make sure you have no vacuum leaks leaning out the mixture and obviously that the carb itself is in good condition and properly adjusted. Sometimes on an ancient carbed vehicle you have to resort to squirting in some starting fluid,especially if it's been sitting in the cold for a long time.
Use the choke when you want to start the car in cold weather. Also, before turning off the car, rev up a bit and then turn of the engine, it will help for start the car in cold weather. Putting a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator could also help for cold weather start.
Back in the day when our carbureted cars had automatic chokes, you would press the gas pedal to the floor and hold it briefly to set the choke. yaser above mentioned to use the choke.
Make sure the choke is working correctly.
