You are here:

Classic/Antique Car Repair/1970 Olds 442 won't start

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/14/2009


Question
Car turns over but doesn't start. Poured gas straight into the carberator & still nothing. There's no spark at the spark plugs or distributor.  It's got electronic ignition, so there's no window & no points. Additionally, there is no center plug so I can't follow it to the coil. The only thing that is going in to / out of the distributor cap is 8 plug wires & several small guage wires the I can't seem to follow down into the engine. Any ideas?

Answer
I'm guessing you need an old fashion tune-up... Points, Plugs, Distributor (assuming these parts haven't been changed in a while).

However, keep in mind if the problem just started, it could have jumped timing, so you will want to check that as well.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Vern Bullock

Expertise

Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

Experience

I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

Organizations
Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service.

Publications
All around the Internet

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

Awards and Honors
I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

Past/Present Clients
See Web site at: http://www.classytransportation.com/

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.