Classic/Antique Car Repair/1921 Car Won't Start

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Expert: - 3/20/2008


Question
I just got a 1921 Peugeot Type 161. This is a small 4 cylinder  crank-start car with magneto. The car won't start despite much cranking and pushing. Gasoline and engine look clean (former owner claimed he drove it last fall). Engine has good oil, plugs do emit sparks, exhaust seems clear. I cleaned out the carburetor. I'm not sure if fuel is reaching the cylinders, however, as there is no gas odor emerging from tailpipe. Any tips? Thanks!

Answer
I am not familiar with this car. But engines whether French or not need three things to run. Air/fuel, compression, and spark. It sounds like you will need to remove the plugs and see if there is any sign of fuel getting to the cylinders. If not get back to the carburetor. You might want to check and make sure a critter has not built a nice home in the air intake system or the exhaust preventing the flow of air.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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