To Start the engine, I need to push the gas pedal to the floor (WOT) then crank. (Note: I do NOT "pump" the gas pedal, just push all the way to the floor.)

Starter spins quite a while, then the engine roars to life.

This is particularly true if the engine is warm/hot, but even when Cold (at least this summer) this is required.

Initial timing is 8 BTDC, Vacuum-Advance, Holley 4bbl.

What likely is the cause?

WOT during cranking clears excess fuel out of the cylinders.. Your engine is flooded.. Possibly a leaking fuel bowl..Or possibly the choke is closing when it isn't needed.. Living where you do your choke could easily be wired open & cause virtually no starting problems...

There does not appear to be any leaks and once started the engine runs fine.

I'll check the electric choke and fast-idle cam. During winter (even here) it does get cold enough to need the choke, but on 100+ degree days lately, as you said, the choke may be activating.

I also wondered if it could be vapor-lock or timing-related. Is 8 to 10-degrees initial advance too much?

The engine in question, is an AMC 304 V8 in my CJ-5 Jeep.

Or fuel boiling off in the carb. Do you have the vapor return system (3 hole fuel filter?)

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I need to push the gas pedal to the floor (WOT) then crank. (Note: I do NOT "pump" the gas pedal, just push all the way to the floor.)

Starter spins quite a while, then the engine roars to life.

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Sounds flooded to me too...

Yes, it has a fuel-return line and three-hole filter.

The filter is good and the return-line is connected and intact.

The engine has an Edelbrock Performer intake and a 600 cfm Holley, around 1999 vintage, and has been rebuilt, using a Holley kit, in recent months.

Engine runs fine and performs well once started.

It has a 1-inch thick phenolic-resin carb spacer with a carb-gasket under/over.

I thought about adding an aluminum heat-shield deflector under the carb, like the one under the Holley on the 440 in my Charger.

You know how to properly set/ check the float level?

I'd be for something like this, it'll be some trouble.

Right after you park it, hot, look down the throats and see if you can observe any fuel dripping down the throats.

Also, check the float level in the same condition. If the vapor return is not plugged, that should relieve any pressure to force fuel into the carb, UNLESS you have a tank pressure problem, maybe, a venting?? problem, that's allowing excess tank pressure to build and force fuel into the carb on shutdown.

Does it idle OK? A poor/ too rich idle might indicate a leaking power valve. If the idle mixture screws are barely cracked, that might be the problem

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, the float levels are set well, just short or around a tiny, tiny amount dribbling out.

Will try checking for leakage/float level at hot shut-down.

It idles fine, no surging and constant rpm.

The Power-Valve is one-week old, and the Starting-problem is same (before/after the new PV.)

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If the idle mixture screws are barely cracked, that might be the problem.

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I have the idle-mixture screws at 3/4-turn out, each side. I could hook a vacuum gauge up and reset the mixture screws for best-idle. Still, should that affect the start?

What I was getting at is if the idle screws are barely cracked, you probably have a leaking power valve, because it's adding fuel to the fire.

You might want to lower the fuel level a little at a time and see if it affects the problem.

Thanks, I'll try that.

If this is happenin g while sitting I would sure be checking you oil for gas cantamination.