Expert: Brad Sears - 5/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 68 Linc. that has acouple of problems and its been sitting for sometime now. I have owned it for about 10yrs now. I have started it on a regular basis, but not changed the oil. It now does not want to turn over, it sounds like it does but no go. Another problem I have is when I turn off the ignition the alternator drains the battery. Any help with these ?'s would be a great help on getting this beast of mobile back on the road.

ANSWER: I have a question for you. When you say that it does not turn over do you mean that the starter will not crank the engine or that the engine will crank but will not fire and run on it's own? The second question about the alternator is that I doubt that it is the alternator. There is battery current going to the alternator all the time. It is most probably some other draw like the trunk light or something like that. Let me know.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The engine is cranking but not firing, I had it running for awhile one day and turned it off then came back and tried but it wasnt firing. With the alternator, when i turn the ignition to the lock position, the alternator light clicks on. All interior lights have been disconnected. Also my E break will not release now. I would like to thank you for your help and time to all my ?'s, without your help I would still be stuck.

Answer
You will need to check for spark and fuel. To check fuel remove the air cleaner and block open the choke. With the key off and looking down into the throat of the carburetor with a flashlight pump the throttle wide open and closed. There should be a stream of fuel entering the carb about half way down from the accelerator jets. If there is no fuel then you will need to check the fuel pump and lines or remove and rebuild the carburetor. If you have fuel then check the spark. Remove the coil wire from the center terminal of the distributor cap. Hold the wire by the insulation so that the free end is about 1/4 inch from a metal surface. Have some one crank the engine. The spark should be a strong bright blue. No spark you will need to check the points, coil, and condenser. A question about the voltage problem. Does the alternator have an external regulator?
Brad