I'm very new to cars (just got started like 2 wks ago)
Anyways i got an 86 Camaro 5.0L and i noticed that when starting the car for the first time in the day or after a few hours of not using it, it will not start on the first try. It usually takes several tries before the engine starts running, and then afterwards i have to keep my foot lightly on the gas pedal to keep it warm else it'll just shut off. This takes about 5-10 minutes before I can start driving depending on how cold it is usually. Now I really don't know what kind of problem this is since i'm not really knowledgeable in cars. But I do know my battery is pretty new so I know its not that. Any suggestions?

 

Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key on?

 

Which 5L engine do you have? There are several.

 

Well I'm pretty sure its the fuel pump priming I hear except its not really a humming sound but more of a series of clicking, and kind of sounds like its coming from the front of the car. How would i check to make sure that's workin? As for the engine, sorry but all i know about it is that its a v8 5.0L 305cu. or something like that.

 

Carbureted? TPI?

 

Carburetted

 

Sounds like an electric choke issue.
I don't know your system specifically, but it sounds like the electric choke is not working.
Once it warms up it's OK, right?
Check the wire on the passenger side of the carb that plugs into the area @ the 'disc', the roung thing. Make sure it's plugged in, and if it is, check with a Volt Meter that is has power when you turn the key on ( don't know the exact specs, sorry )
Other guys here will give you many more specs than I have, but start there.
There are some guys here that know amazing things

 

Before you check the choke circuit, is the choke plate even closing when you set the choke before you start it?

 

Good point
He says he's new to cars and may need some direction as to how to check though

 

Hmm sounds interesting. Im going to have to check that in the morn. Not sure what any of that is, but im pretty good at researching at how to do specific things, but detailed instructions always save me time on my part. What should i expect, as i have a feeling it has to do with that. Also yes, once it's warmed up its good to go.

 

still no luck so far, but it would appear to me that the choke is probably the issue here. Any one got any ideas as to what I should check and in what order and where it's located? Thanks

 

Take off the air cleaner and look at the choke plate. It's the flap in the tower on top of the carb over the primaries. With the engine cold, open the throttle all the way once, and the choke plate should close.