Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 6/3/2009

Question
I have a 1976 Pacer with the 4.2L 258 straight six (1 barrel carb) and it was put in storage 4 months ago and it ran fine when parked (it was a daily driver).  I recently went to go get it out of storage and it will not start.  It cranks fine and it fires but it won't catch.  Right before it was put in storage I had new spark plugs put in, new wires, new distributor cap and rotor, new oil, and a new transmission filter and fluid.  When it cranks a bit of black smoke comes out of the exhaust but other then that it seems normal.  I have never had any trouble with getting it to start before (it once sat for 2 years and fired up on the 2nd try) and I have always kept up with the maintenance on it.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
How fresh is the gasoline?
If you have spark and compression, are you getting gas down the carburetor? If not, check the fuel filter for restriction and the fuel pump for pressure.
Spray some starting fluid down the carburetor, then crank it over.
Be careful with the starting fluid.
If it starts and dies, try getting some fresh gas for it.
If you plan on letting an older car sit for a period of time it is wise to add some fuel stabilizer, i.e. Sta-bil, to the tank.