My vote is with rebuilding the carb too. Our red and white Maverick had basicly the same problem. Once the carb was cleaned out and rebuilt the problem was solved.
I don't think your choke is adjusted properly or it has parts that are rusted off. First thing in the morning (when you have the time) step on the gas pedal just once - slowly to the floor and up. Then look to see if the choke is closed. (you will have to take the top of the air cleaner off but nothing else.) If it is closed see how much pressure it takes to open it slightly. If it isn't closed you have found your problem. Loosen the three screws (you will have to remove the air cleaner completely for this part) that hold the clamp on the black choke housing. Turn the housing counter-clockwise about a quarter inch past the point where it just closes. (you may have to crack the throttle open a little to get it to move) Then get in and see if the engine will start. The carb needs to be tuned at least - whether it needs a rbuild or not is still undetermined as far as I am concerned.
I had a problem very similar to this with my first Maverick...except it went from being just the first time I cranked it for the day, to almost every time I had to go anywhere. You need your carb rebuilt, or a new one altogether.
The carb may be fine. I had a '71 Maverick that had the same symptoms she has. I finally run a small gas can directly to the carb and the problem was solved. Why? The fuel pump diaphragm allowed the fuel to leak back down, taking with it the gas in fuel bowl of the carb. When the fuel leaked back down, it created a siphon and emptied the carb. It would do this over night. Once I got the car cranked by pouring gas in the carb, and keeping the revs up until the pump could suck gas from the tank and fill the fuel bowl, it would be fine for running around town that day. The next morning, it was the same song and dance. I replaced the fuel pump, filter, and fuel line, and walla, no more problems.
she does need a new mechanic.. well actually no she doesnt.. she has all of us.. lol i would def try all the above. checking the choke and see if the carb is getting fuel.. i would be that pauls has it right on... but like most people are thinking, it is hard to say exactly what it is without looking at the car personally.. my mav.. i had to pump 2 times, and she fired up every single time, unless it had been sitting for awhile, then i had to crank and pump to get fuel into the carb.. good luck try one thing at a time, so you know what the fix is let us know what fixed it
put an electric fuel pump on it. that way it dosent matter if the carb or manuel fuel pump leaks down or not. simpley turn the ignition on wait a second, pat the accelarator and crank her up
I've got to agree with Hawko...If the accelerator pump was shot she would probebley have this problem more than just the intial start up plus she ld have a nasty hesitation when pulling into traffic etc. the bowl has to be emptying out somehow she could put a clear fuel filter in line to watch the fuel... i'l bet her mechanic is right(although its a good thing I'm not a betting man)
Hey, guys! Wow! Lotsa good info. I am just now checking this post--I have been too busy for the past couple days to even touch a computer. Anyway----I appreciate all the 411, and I will let you know what happens. THANKS MUCH!
