69 z/28 loses prime, any ideas?

[Chris_Pisane]

First off I will say my 69 z has sat for nearly a year without driving it. Between the heating problems it had and other things going on with family, there wasnt much time to think about it.

I put a new radiator in today and it runs cool. Im happy with that. But when I went to start it, it needed a shot of gas down the carb to get it going. It ran ok idling, it seemed a little slow coming off  idle.It ran better than that when I parked it.

Now If you  let it sit for a half hour  it wouldnt start without a shot of gas,or carb cleaner down the carb. It is not flooding.It seems to be losing its prime.

Any ideas? Thanks

[Chris_Pisane]

Well, I just went back to the garage and it didnt start. Then I dedided to tap on the carb numerous times with the plastic end of a big screwdriver, especially on the front bowl. I hit the key it fired right up and ran perfect.

I guess the float was stuck.

[JoeC]

your fuel pump may be going bad
also check your float level adjustment

[JohnZ]

You'll probably find some varnish on the needle and seat from sitting so long; remove it and clean it, or replace it. Mine sits in the garage for six months every winter without being started, and I haven't had any issues with it for eight years. I fill the float bowl through the vent tube every spring and it fires right up.