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Classic/Antique Car Repair/starting problem
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Question
2 issues on a 58 buick w/push button start...#1 when I push the button it continues to crank until the batt gives out...#2 it won't start.....what should I do first to see what is causing this problem.........thanks for your help....I need to get it started to get it out of the narrow back yard to a shop for repair.......thanks,jack
You need two things in order to get it to start, assuming that the timing is set correctly.
1. You need fuel to be squirting out of the accelerator pump jets in the carburetor whenever you depress the accelerator pedal. If it doesn't, your carb is the problem.
2. You need a strong spark from the spark plugs. You can check this by connecting a passive timing light in line with each of the plug leads in turn. The light will flash if there's current going through the leads.
If you have both spark and fuel, and it still doesn't start, your timing is at fault. You can get most engines to start if the spark plug is set to fire a bit (2-4 degrees) before TDC. To check this you need a timing light and you need to mark the timing light on your engine with a white chalk or crayon so the light will illuminate it.
Isolate the problem(s), fix it or them, and your car will start.
--Paul
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Answers by Expert:
Paul Wilczynski
Expertise
Most questions involving vintage car restoration, mechanical and body, paint and upholstery. Parts sourcing. Extensive experience in wood-bodied station wagons, British and French cars of the '40s through '70s. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger, Citroen Maserati, VW Beetle, 1955-65 Chevrolet (especially Nomad station wagons), Corvair.
Experience
Wide-ranging and long-term. I owned a restoration shop in the 1970s, continue to dabble in vintage exotics. At one time, had a seven-car collection of contemporary exotics which I had restored and maintained myself.
When I was 18 years old, I designed a woodie kit for the VW Beetle, which I developed into a product which was featured on television and in over 100 magazines and 25 books at last count. I still own and drive one of my creations.
I owned a design and fabrication consultancy from 1982-2002, specializing in show car fabrication for manufacturers including Ford, Mazda, GM, Subaru, Mitsubishi, etc.
Since 2003, I have been a department manager in Industrial Design, and a full-time instructor in automotive design and fabrication at the university level. My students go on to design automobiles as staff designers for major auto manufacturers worldwide.
Organizations
Western Automotive Journalists, Industrial Design Society of America.
Publications
Long list of magazines and books, including Playboy, VW Trends, VW Greats, Hot VWs, and European automotive magazines.
Education/Credentials
I teach design and fabrication at university level. My education is in Industrial Design, University of Illinois (1966-1970).
Awards and Honors
Many awards for restorations in local concours and shows.
Past/Present Clients
Mazda, Ford, GM, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, Mercedes, Porsche.
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