which phenolic spacer should i get?

[1972BlueC20]

Hi Guys!

I have a 1972 C20 (350 engine) with the stock intake manifold, running a edelbrock 1406 (I believe) carb. I'm having issues with hard starts once the truck is hot. Its never an issue of the truck not starting, but its just harder than when it's cold. I'd like to fix this issue so I don't wear out my starter.

There are many spacers available so it's hard for me to choose.

I've already got the edelbrock adapter plate to convert from spread bore to square bore. I'm assuming the spacer would go on top of the adapter, is this correct?

Can anyone recommend a good spacer? Thickness? Material?

[wreckedchevy]

do you have any local automotive performance stores near by? we have 1 in billings called APC and they stock all the parts for the local race guys and they are a wealth of knowledge on the ethanol causing hot start problems. Swing by one sometime and tell them what's going on and they could help you out with the best spacer for street use. I think someone on here mentioned yesterday that those phenolic spacer's have a tendency to melt with street use.

[Prescott]

Gasoline percolation has become a huge issue lately. I've always had old cars, but in the last 10 years or so, they have all been boiling gas out of the carb, and into the manifold. This leaves you with a flooded engine and an empty float bowl. Frustrating. I guess it has something to do with gasoline formulas these days. My 1967 c10 does it, and it is all original. My 1964 mustang did it even worse, I think because it runs hotter, until I did something about it. It has a 289 with an edelbrock, and I added a 1 inch phenolic spacer. I would have gone even thicker if hood clearance would have allowed. At the same time I installed an air-gap manifold. I don't know if this helped, but I liked the idea. Anyway, the problem went away and the phenolic spacer held up just fine. I think I gained some power from it, too. I have also read about homemade wood spacers doing the trick, if that sounds appealing to you.
I'm almost to the point of doing something similar to the c10.

[1972BlueC20]

Thanks Prescott, are you using a plastic spacer? If so, no melting issues?

[wreckedchevy]

these guys would probably be good place to stop by
http://www.competitionsales.com/asp/default.asp
I was going to use the 1" spacer but my problem was fuel was boiling before it even got to the carb so the guys at apc recommended the insulation for the fuel line and problem's solved. They usually also know the best jetting to use for your region as well. I thought my truck ran great before but after rejetting it I can't believe the difference.

[Prescott]

Pretty sure this was the one:

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...rentProductId=

I run my car hard and it's been fine for years now.

[davepl]

Remember gas is seasonal. If you don't drive your truck much and run February gas in July you very well might boil it. They have to monkey with the latent heat of vaporization of gasoline based on temperatures (and possible altitude).