Expert: Paul Wilczynski - 12/27/2008

Question
i traded a truck i had for a 1964 impala 4 doora while back. i would start it and leave it running every so often to make sure the engine would not freeze. i eventually wasted the gas and hadn't put more gas to try starting it. many months (over 6 for sure) passed and i added gas and now the engine turns but it doesnt start.

i check all the essential fluids (oil, power steering, transmition, anti freeze) and filled the ones that were low. i added 5 gallons of gas. i tested 1 spark plug wire to see if it sparked by placing a screwdriver in the wire cup and holding it against ground (and i get spark).

im not mechanically inclined. i need some help in what to do to get the engine running again before it gets completely ruined.

thanks for your help
rigo

Answer
Hi,  Rigo.

You need two things for it to start: spark and fuel/air mixture. If you're getting spark, then it's not getting gas.

Disconnect a fuel line where it enters the carburetor. Place the line in a coffee can, and turn the car over to see if the fuel pump is pumping fuel into the float bowls. If not, there's your problem.

If it's pumping, remove the air cleaner and manually activate the throttle lever. Look to see if the jets are squirting gas into the carb throat. If nothing's squirting, you'll need a carb rebuild.

If the carb is squirting, pull the plugs, check that they are clean and not wet with gas. Clean them, gap them properly, and re-install.

Try to crank it again. If it still won't start, it's time to check the timing with a tach/dwell meter. Timing should be a few degrees BTDC (you can look up exactly where on the web); this ought to get you going. If there is still a starting problem, I'd replace the points and condensor, followed by the coil. I'd then check the ignition wires.

That's the order you should go in; it should be running by the time you've gotten to the bottom of the list.

Good luck!

--Paul