Engine doesnt start right

[72fbird]

I have a 1972 pontiac firebird and it has trouble starting. I have to like pump the gas 3 times and then keep the peddle to the floor while turning the key. I literally have to keep the pedal to the floor until it starts and then push the gas a couple of times after it starts for it to idle right....Why?

[FormulaLT1]

Do you have alot of carbon build up around your butterfly's?

[72fbird]

carbon build? i dont know but when it finally starts i smells like horrible amounts of gas and i flood it sometimes and i cant figure out why it wont start right

[FormulaLT1]

If you pull off your air filter do you have alot of black powder or moist sludge there?

[72fbird]

no last time i checked i didnt and i looked for sludge a couple days ago cuz someone else was telling me to look for it but there isnt any

[72fbird]

if i do how do i clean it?

[FormulaLT1]

A rag and some carb cleaner will do the trick

[72fbird]

if there is no clogging what could the problem be?
i mean it literally will not start unless i have it full throttle for a good 5 - 7 seconds

[savagewolf]

it sounds like u need a carb rebuild, or a new 1. (get a holly) but before u do that, check the fuel dilevery system. make sure there is fuel pressure because the pumps go bad sometimes on the early 70's and 80's and also check for clogged fuel tubes and make sure the fuel filter isnt clogged (prob a good idea to replace it anyway.)

[hotrod_chevyz]

Sounds to me like choke problems

[hotrod_chevyz]

check all tuneup parts