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Not starting but here's a tidbit

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Blackjokr

Jedi Warrior
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The first tiem she didn't start I let her sit for 2 days then she started right up and did every time since. I only started her every few days. So, after filling the coolant with 50/50 Presetone for a fill up she won't start but here's an interesting thing: If you let her sit for a bit, she actually almost turns over...or perhps she turns once but doesn;t keep going. it almost seem slike she is starving for gas. I am wondering if there is too much air in the line because there was no coolant in her for so long?? I know I am reaching here, but any advice would be great!
 
BJ, disconnect the line from the fuel pump to the carburetor, at the carb. Remove the coil wire from both ends. (You don't want sparks flying around for the next steps.) Remove the spark plugs.
Direct the fuel line into a suitable container, and have someone crank the engine over. You should get steady pulses of fuel into the container on every revolution. Probably about a pint a minute if everythng is well.
Let us know, and we'll go from thee.
Jeff
 
Has to be Jeff.
 
BJ: coolant - too much or not enough - will not effect whether or not the engine fires & runs (unless its gotten so hot its locked up)....so, eliminate that from the equation & concentrate on fuel, timing or ignition.....its just a coincidence that this occurred right after you did something with the coolant.
 
Constant starting and idling without taking it out for a (spirited) drive will run the battery down. From your discription that sounds like your problem. A battery will gain some power after sitting but only enough to crank a few times. Charge the battery.
 
OK, I have one of those battery tricklers from Griots garage. I will put that on and also use the advice to check for fuel pasing through the pump. What would I do without you guys???? Any possibility that a bad thermostat might screw it up?
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Any possibility that a bad thermostat might screw it up?[/QUOTE]

NO!

Nothing in the cooling system will cause it to not start...forget the cooling system for right now!

The only things that affect whether or not the engine runs (so long as it isn't locked up) are fuel, timing, and ignition! So, no fuel or inadequate fuel getting to carbs; engine out of time, no fire or inadequate fire getting to the spark plugs...those are your only options!
 
I am thinking the battery is probably a big part of it. Ven though it is pretty new and barely charged, it makes sense to me that if it sits for awhiel it usually starts...time enough to let the battery charge up just enough perhpas. [censored]..I have signed up for an car engine class and auto restoration class this fall. I did some basic motorcyle maintenance but man this is a lot to learn! Wait until I got to repair/replace the wired in there that are all messed up. *sigh*!
 
Ah, we'll get through it...you might want to go to Amazon & buy a copy of the Bentley repair manual for your car...it'll help alot in identifying/correcting problems as you learn.
 
you are so right. I didi order one. I think I oredered the Chilton...did i get the wrong one?
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]I think I oredered the Chilton...did i get the wrong one? [/QUOTE]

YEP! Send that piece of crap back & get the Bentley!
 
make sure your battery connections are clean and tight also the starter solenoid is also clean/tight its easy to overlook
 
Not at all, get both if you can as well as an orginal, It can be gotten on CD even.
 
Here's a scenario.
When it was filled with coolant, it leaked past the large hole in the head gasket and filled a cylinder. Upon trying to start, hydraulic lock was reduced by the same hole in the head gasket. After a few days, the coolant drained past the rings and emptied the cylinder. Then it could start.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]it leaked past the large hole in the head gasket and filled a cylinder[/QUOTE]

Donn, that'd be one heck'uva hole!

....& with a hole that large, it would've been noticeable out the tailpipe when driving - if it would even run!

Good scenario though! I stand corrected - adding coolant might cause a problem...hehehehe
 
"""""""""OK, I have one of those battery tricklers from Griots garage. """""""""

"""""""""am thinking the battery is probably a big part of it."""""""

If your battery is dischaged to the point of slow cranking it needs to be charged. A trickle charger that puts out 1 or 2 amps will take about 30 hours to fully charge a smallish battery. If you have a Harbor Freight store nearby, go get a digital volt ohm meter for $4. Or, if your battery has fill caps a specific gravity tester (any auto parts store). A fully charged battery will be at 13.20 volts.
 
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