C2 Starting Problem
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C2 Starting Problem
All out of ideas on this one. After a rebuild to near stock 327/300 the car started and ran 3-4 times, broke in the cam over this time. Then something happened and will NOT start again. Have removed the Petronix package and gone back to points, new battery, added ground strap at engine mount bolt to frame, new plugs and on and on. Have checked timing and know its not 180 degrees out and have checked fuel. rechecking for spark with timing light at distrib. I know I have fire at all except number 4 and I used some starting fluid (don't like to) but still not even a hint of even a pop. Ideas please and why would I have one bad cylinder at no. 4?? thanks for your input
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 101
From: Riverhead New York
If you have Spark at seven Plugs and not one I'd check wire for continuity or just switch the Faulty Wire out. Engines need Compression, Fuel and Spark to run. Eliminate Fuel first. Do not use Starting Fluid again or you risk your new engine becoming old real quick. A little raw gas is fine. Visual inspection of Plugs is a good idea. New engines are rough on Plugs but I doubt that is your problem. You don't list any Back Firing either threw Carb. or exhaust so I'm betting so I'm thinking Ignition will be the source of your cure. Focus on the basics and avoid paralysis by analysis. Good Luck, Al W.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Have done that with number one and even number 8 recently. Had spark both times, still weird that number 4 is just DEAD despite changing that wire, checking the terminals on the distr. cap and changing out the plug to a known good plug. Still 7 out of 8??? It should at least gasp and pop! Also moved the distrib. slowly as I cranked in case I was missing it by a bit.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
If you have Spark at seven Plugs and not one I'd check wire for continuity or just switch the Faulty Wire out. Engines need Compression, Fuel and Spark to run. Eliminate Fuel first. Do not use Starting Fluid again or you risk your new engine becoming old real quick. A little raw gas is fine. Visual inspection of Plugs is a good idea. New engines are rough on Plugs but I doubt that is your problem. You don't list any Back Firing either threw Carb. or exhaust so I'm betting so I'm thinking Ignition will be the source of your cure. Focus on the basics and avoid paralysis by analysis. Good Luck, Al W.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,115
Likes: 196
From: Wilton Ca.
Have you checked the ballast resistor? You mention changing from electronic to points. Never done the change over but I believe something is done with the resistor when changing from one to the other.
Last edited by Gary's '66; Feb 11, 2015 at 09:55 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 137
From: Chantilly Virginia
I'd examine the cap very carefully for cracks or perhaps a line of carbon inside the cap. Try wiping the interior and exterior of the cap with a rag. The thought here is that you may be seeing spark at 7 cylinders, but it may not be a correctly timed spark.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
I wouldn't worry about that one cylinder that appears not to be firing for the moment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 101
From: Riverhead New York
Take the Number 4 wire from the Cap and put it directly into the . Ground the Plug to the Exhaust Manifold and have someone crank the engine. You should see very rapid Sparking. If you do, change out the Cap And Rotor. Let us know. Al W.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,167
Likes: 4,172
From: Kannapolis NC
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
I personally think you're right about something else being the problem.
See my post above about the relevance of that one cylinder not firing.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,167
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From: Kannapolis NC
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
Is the wire from the "R" terminal on the starter solenoid (the outboard one) connected to the coil (+) terminal? That's the only current source for the ignition when the starter is cranking. I'd give you the wire color, but you didn't say what year car you have. 