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1976 Vette starting problems

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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 02:01 PM
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Default 1976 Vette starting problems

I have a 76 vette that was running fine the other day, but I went to start it this morning and it started for a second then died and I havent been able to start it since. 350, L-48, manual trans. Has new ditributor, plugs, wires, starter, rebuilt carb, and fuel pump. Battery is good, and I tried to jump it and still wouldn't start.

Last edited by TopHat; Nov 6, 2009 at 04:03 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 02:03 PM
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Forgot to say the starter kicks on fine and the flywheel turns but no ignition.
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 02:38 PM
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Most likely a failure of the electronic module in the distributor. They are easy to change and not very expensive. Buy one and swap it out to see if that fixes it. If not, you can keep the one you removed for using as a "spare" when the new one fails. (I'd guess around 80%+ that the module will fix it.)
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 03:27 PM
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thanks I tried that and still nothing. I also tried holding the pedal to the floor while starting and it sort of sputters like it wants to start but thats it.

Last edited by TopHat; Nov 6, 2009 at 04:49 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 08:21 PM
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Start with the basics. Are you getting spark? Are you getting gas? That will narrow down where you need to look.
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 08:58 PM
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No need to go and start spending money on parts without troubleshooting. An engine needs a fuel mixture, compression, and a spark. Its safe to say that compression didn't go away over night. That leaves fuel or spark. Pull a plug and rest it against the block while some cranks the engine. If you got a nice spark, put it back in. Dump a cap full of gas in the carb and see it that works.
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 06:38 PM
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Went back out and it started up fine, not sure what it was. I'm thinking it was the anti-theft. I was tinkering with it trying to see if it was working or not. Went ahead and tested the alternator and battery. Thanks for the help guys.
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