Engine start issues
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Nottingham
Engine start issues
My car has recently been shipped from the US to the UK. Engine was running fine when delivered. Has sat in a cold garage for 3 months, connected to a trickle charger. Now engine turns over but won’t start. Any advice on trouble shooting steps appreciated. Battery is good. 283 engine with 2 x 4bl carbs.
Le Mans Master
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From: Western Massachusetts
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My car has recently been shipped from the US to the UK. Engine was running fine when delivered. Has sat in a cold garage for 3 months, connected to a trickle charger. Now engine turns over but won’t start. Any advice on trouble shooting steps appreciated. Battery is good. 283 engine with 2 x 4bl carbs.
Dan
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
Stick a 12 volt test light on the distributor side of the coil and crank the engine. You should see the test light flashing. If it doesn't flash on/off/on/off, your points are not making contact. Run a point file a couple of strokes through the points and you should be good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
I don't disagree with anything said above. Given that the engine ran normally when parked it almost has to be either too little fuel, too much cold air or a new problem with the ignition. I find a quick squirt of starting fluid and seeing the choke set tells me a lot. If it fires briefly but won't continue to run you know the ignition is ok, but it may not be getting fuel. Opening the throttle once while looking down the throat of the carb will reveal if there is fuel available. The other possibility is it became flooded during your earlier attempts to start.
