1974 No Spark , No Start
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
1974 No Spark , No Start
Hello Gentleman! Been watching and searching, not new to vintage and performance cars, but new to the Corvette group!
12 months ago I purchased a 1974 (frame off resto in 2010) beautiful resto , shows and runs like a new car ! It does a have GM 350 Crate as the prior owner decided to replace (not why , but assume catastrophic failure) no matter to me, I purchased to drive it not sell it ..
Some minor issues in the first year , alternator and starter rebuilds.
Oh , I should mention I am in Champaign, Il about 3 miles from the grounds for Blooming Gold and really want to drive the Vette there!!! Not push it..
Out of the blue I developed a No Start , it turns over very strong but will not fire , not even stumble.
I have noticed a couple of Carb backfires when started cold first time in the last month....no sure if that is related, but worth a mention.
Fuel squirts in the bowl when you pump the throttle , it has gas. Holly Carb.
There is no spark. It does have an electronic ignition. Anyone else with an electronic ignition have any suggestions? I will pull the distro next and check the cap and rotor , but beyond that any trouble shooting experience would be appreciated!
Hope to see at Bloomington Gold ..
Shawn
12 months ago I purchased a 1974 (frame off resto in 2010) beautiful resto , shows and runs like a new car ! It does a have GM 350 Crate as the prior owner decided to replace (not why , but assume catastrophic failure) no matter to me, I purchased to drive it not sell it ..
Some minor issues in the first year , alternator and starter rebuilds.
Oh , I should mention I am in Champaign, Il about 3 miles from the grounds for Blooming Gold and really want to drive the Vette there!!! Not push it..
Out of the blue I developed a No Start , it turns over very strong but will not fire , not even stumble.
I have noticed a couple of Carb backfires when started cold first time in the last month....no sure if that is related, but worth a mention.
Fuel squirts in the bowl when you pump the throttle , it has gas. Holly Carb.
There is no spark. It does have an electronic ignition. Anyone else with an electronic ignition have any suggestions? I will pull the distro next and check the cap and rotor , but beyond that any trouble shooting experience would be appreciated!
Hope to see at Bloomington Gold ..
Shawn
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 8
From: Redruth Cornwall
When you say you have electronic ignition, are we talking standard GM HEI or aftermarket like MSD etc?
From what I have read, the HEI module will sometimes just die giving no start. Not sure about the back fire issues though.
Is it possible the hold down clamp on the distributor has become loose causing timing to change? Would account possibly for both backfire and no start.
From what I have read, the HEI module will sometimes just die giving no start. Not sure about the back fire issues though.
Is it possible the hold down clamp on the distributor has become loose causing timing to change? Would account possibly for both backfire and no start.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
When you say you have electronic ignition, are we talking standard GM HEI or aftermarket like MSD etc?
From what I have read, the HEI module will sometimes just die giving no start. Not sure about the back fire issues though.
Is it possible the hold down clamp on the distributor has become loose causing timing to change? Would account possibly for both backfire and no start.
From what I have read, the HEI module will sometimes just die giving no start. Not sure about the back fire issues though.
Is it possible the hold down clamp on the distributor has become loose causing timing to change? Would account possibly for both backfire and no start.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
If you have an aftermarket system, I don't know how they would operate as opposed the the HEI, so you would need to look at the troubleshooting section for that particular system.
and as mentioned above, it could be a timing issue if your hold-down clamp came loose and rotated the distributor.......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
the coil would be attacted to the top of the distributor with the HEI system, aftermarket units may have a remote coil, or one attached as the HEI, it would depend on what system you are using.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
When you say you have electronic ignition, are we talking standard GM HEI or aftermarket like MSD etc?
From what I have read, the HEI module will sometimes just die giving no start. Not sure about the back fire issues though.
Is it possible the hold down clamp on the distributor has become loose causing timing to change? Would account possibly for both backfire and no start.
From what I have read, the HEI module will sometimes just die giving no start. Not sure about the back fire issues though.
Is it possible the hold down clamp on the distributor has become loose causing timing to change? Would account possibly for both backfire and no start.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 25
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Ill be damned , the distro was loose and had turned! Turned it back and it fired right up! Thanks guys , great catch!
So where is the bolt that tightens/loosens the distro?
Is it the one on that black bracket under the distro passenger side?
So where is the bolt that tightens/loosens the distro?
Is it the one on that black bracket under the distro passenger side?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
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yes, that should be it, sometimes you can angle a 9/16" wrench in there to loosen & tighten. there is also a special "bent" distributor wrench that is much easier to use. any auto parts store should stock them. make sure that bolt is secure, and I would recheck the timing to be sure it is set correctly.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
