Start Checklist
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 51
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From: Litchfield NH
Start Checklist
Needless to say I'm having starting issues. I'm just wondering if anyone has, or would like to share, a checklist to go over when the car isn't starting.
FWIW, battery is new and just replaced the dist. I went thoroughly over the firing sequence and finding TDC; confident I did that right. Fuel pump works. I think the coil works, the plugs are sparking (is this an always/never working part or can it degrade?). I have no idea how to check if the carb is working. Gas is only about 4 months old. I have a 4 spd 69 with a qjet and points.
FWIW, battery is new and just replaced the dist. I went thoroughly over the firing sequence and finding TDC; confident I did that right. Fuel pump works. I think the coil works, the plugs are sparking (is this an always/never working part or can it degrade?). I have no idea how to check if the carb is working. Gas is only about 4 months old. I have a 4 spd 69 with a qjet and points.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 149
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From: Atlantic Beach FL
An engine needs 3 things.....fuel, spark and air.
If you have a spark and the air filter is off, try pouring some gas down the carb. If it fires and dies, then you know it is fuel issue. The filter may be clogged, bad pump or the fuel could be bad.
If you have a spark and the air filter is off, try pouring some gas down the carb. If it fires and dies, then you know it is fuel issue. The filter may be clogged, bad pump or the fuel could be bad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 907
From: Warminster PA
Check to see if the coil is getting full battery voltage when cranking.
Verify you have spark. Pull number 1 plug, attach plug wire, ground plug base and crank engine. You should see a spark. (this is one of several ways to check for spark)
Verify your initial timing is set correctly. (Several ways to do this, search the archives or read the sticky on timing)
Verify you have plug wires installed on the distributor cap in the proper firing order.
Verify you have fuel getting to the engine. Operate the throttle while looking down the throat of the carb. You should see a nice fuel shot with each actuation of the throttle. If not, verify fuel pump is delivering fuel to the carb and the float level is set properly.
Once you have verified you have spark at the right time and fuel, it should fire right up.
Make sure all of your vacuum connections are secure also. This won't affect not starting, but will cause the car to run rough.
Summarize: Voltage, spark, timing, fuel = run
Good luck
Tom
Verify you have spark. Pull number 1 plug, attach plug wire, ground plug base and crank engine. You should see a spark. (this is one of several ways to check for spark)
Verify your initial timing is set correctly. (Several ways to do this, search the archives or read the sticky on timing)
Verify you have plug wires installed on the distributor cap in the proper firing order.
Verify you have fuel getting to the engine. Operate the throttle while looking down the throat of the carb. You should see a nice fuel shot with each actuation of the throttle. If not, verify fuel pump is delivering fuel to the carb and the float level is set properly.
Once you have verified you have spark at the right time and fuel, it should fire right up.
Make sure all of your vacuum connections are secure also. This won't affect not starting, but will cause the car to run rough.
Summarize: Voltage, spark, timing, fuel = run
Good luck
Tom
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 51
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From: Litchfield NH
So it looks like it might have something to do with the carb; I checked to see if fuel shot in when I pulled the throttle and it did. So after a few shots I just cranked it to see what happens and it began to fire.
I'm going to check the float later but for now my back aches from leaning over the car too much.
I'm going to check the float later but for now my back aches from leaning over the car too much.
