won't start

[72spit6]

Just finished putting the header on the 79 1500 and now the engine won't fire. It has spark and it had fuel and ran before i started the project. Is there some fragile spring or something I could have broken in the carb? The carb is not leaking fuel but i am sure that it is getting there

 

[TR3driver]

How long has it been off the road? Could be a stuck float valve, or E10 fuel that has separated.

I'd try a shot of carb cleaner (or starting fluid) down the carb throat then immediately crank it again. If it fires (or better yet starts), you'll know it is a fuel problem.

 

[72spit6]

hasnt been run in about a year and wont start on starting fluid tried that yesterday

 

[72spit6]

i should also say i pulled the plugs and none of them are fouled they all look great and it has a new ignition rotor since the old one looked tired after a quick diagnostic when i first found out it wouldnt start

 

[tomgt6]

Did you pull the distributor? you could be 180 degrees off.

 

[72spit6]

havent touched the distributor except for put the new rotor in

 

[TR4]

Are you getting spark to the plugs? That dreaded ground wire in the distributor can turn to dust if the ignition key is left in the ON position for too long without running the engine.

 

[tdskip]

Are you getting spark to the plugs?

My question as well...

Keep us posted.

 

[TR4]

havent touched the distributor except for put the new rotor in

Maybe try putting the old rotor back in ?

 

[72spit6]

a spark plug tester shows i am getting spark to the plugs. and the had the same problem with the old rotor so i don't think that is the problem

 

[Andrew Mace]

i should also say i pulled the plugs and none of them are fouled they all look great...

Did they have any fuel on them? Are you quite sure that fuel is actually getting to (and into) the carburetor?

 

[AEW]

1-3-4-2

 

[72spit6]

I checked and there is fuel in the bowl of the carb

 

[MikeP]

Here's a few things to check, since I don't know what you did as part of the switch to a header pardon me if some doesn't apply.

1 Replace the condensor in the distributor, they can suddenly fail.
2 Did you remove the engine or any grounding straps while working on the car??
replace if you did.
3 Check the distributor cap for cracks/failure.
4 Are the valve opening and closing?? check clearances.
5 Fresh gas may help, modern gas doesn't react well to sitting longer than
a few months.
6 Got an extra coil around?? try swapping
7 I check plugs by putting one in the end and taping ot to the valve cover, shows what kind of spark you get following the path it will use when running. should be a bright blue spark.

These non computer engines are fairly simple, as long as you have fire, (spark), and gas, should at least occasionally fire. Provided of course the engine is in reasonable shape.

 

[TR3driver]

I'd replace the condenser next. They can fail while looking perfect, and cause exactly the symptoms you describe. BTDT

 

[Andrew Mace]

I was assuming that a '79 1500 would have one flavor or another of electronic distributor....

 

[72spit6]

Did have an electronic distributor is the key word. A previous owner changed it to a 68 mgb distributor. Going to get a new condenser this afternoon and we will see what happens

 

[TR3driver]

I was assuming that a '79 1500 would have one flavor or another of electronic distributor....

Do you really think there are any of those Lucas electronic ignitions still running?

 

[tomgt6]

if your getting spark to the plugs it is either no fuel, spark not strong enough or the spark is at the wrong time.

The last two would leave your plugs full of gas at some point.

Another way to see if your getting fuel is to unhook the line at the carb and see if it is pumping fuel. I pump it into a can.

I would check wire order. Turn the engine to TDC and see if the rotor is pointed at the number 1 cylinder plug wire.

When you replace the condenser also replace the wire to it with a flexible wire.

 

[tdskip]

Fuel bowl with fuel but needle gummed up and prevent fuel flow?

Perfect time to use starting fluid to help diagnose!