C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

engine won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 9, 2008 | 02:44 PM
  #1  
V-Rod's Avatar
V-Rod
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
Default engine won't start

After starting engine for the first time since receiving it from builder last night today will not start. I had to put a throttle spring on it and think I have it flooded. cause I smell a lot of gas after each attempt. how long should it take to clear out? I have waited 30-45 min between attempts and do not give fuel when first turnning over then give 2 pumps and try again but engine does not fire. any suggestions would like to get it to muffer shop today Thanks

PS how did temp gauge work on 78?
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 02:50 PM
  #2  
Jud Chapin's Avatar
Jud Chapin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Default

Try holding the pedal to the floor when starting. This is generally the method used to start a flooded engine. Don't pump it, however.
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 03:33 PM
  #3  
wiseman79's Avatar
wiseman79
Pro
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Default

If you severely flooded it you may need to check the plugs.
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 03:39 PM
  #4  
V-Rod's Avatar
V-Rod
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
Default

Thanks Jud,

Have use that method before and that is the way we used to start flooded radial aircraft engines. haven't tried that yet partly because I broke the plastic clip that holds the throttle cable to peddle but will get wife to turn engine over and I will work throttle out side
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 03:45 PM
  #5  
V-Rod's Avatar
V-Rod
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
Default

check plugs for fowlling? look for black conductors?
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 04:26 PM
  #6  
Jud Chapin's Avatar
Jud Chapin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Default

Originally Posted by V-Rod
Thanks Jud,

Have use that method before and that is the way we used to start flooded radial aircraft engines. haven't tried that yet partly because I broke the plastic clip that holds the throttle cable to peddle but will get wife to turn engine over and I will work throttle out side
You're welcome, and yes, I have done it that way. Quoting my '76 Vette owners manual regarding "Engine Flooded" the instructions are as follows: "Depress accelerator pedal and hold to floor while starting until engine is cleared of excess fuel and is running smoothly. Never pump the accelerator pedal". Hope this helps.
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 06:26 PM
  #7  
V-Rod's Avatar
V-Rod
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
Default

I tried flood starting it several time with no luck. I also pull a plug and it looked ok to me dark but not crusty it did not look wet any other suggestions?
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 06:38 PM
  #8  
Oldguard 7's Avatar
Oldguard 7
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Default

Does it crank but not start? Check your ignition system. Is the distributor installed correctly, Is the ground strap from the starter that atatches to the frame's connection clean and tight? The ground strap is the big thick wire running from the starter and attatches to the bottom of the frame. Is the ignition wire connected to the coil on the distributor? I'm sure others will throw possibilities your way.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 9, 2008 | 06:53 PM
  #9  
V-Rod's Avatar
V-Rod
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
Default

It started an ran last night. I did not run it long just a few min. about three times. To day it turns over but will not start has not fired 1 time. I have not tried to check MDS system yet today, but when I do where is good place to start
Reply
Old May 9, 2008 | 08:56 PM
  #10  
blue427's Avatar
blue427
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 151
Default

I would pull the plugs and keep them out for a few hours at least,dry your plugs by hand and ckeck the oil for gas,you can wipe an engine out with gas in the oil,change oil if needed. Then retry starting normaly. good luck.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To engine won't start





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:40 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE