Expert: Brad Sears - 7/4/2009

Question
I have a 1950 Buick Eight, Motor is completely original It has not been run in about 2 years, before that it ran perfectly I went to turn it on the other day and it just wont start, I dont know what is wrong with it, I replaced the battery the tank was empty so I put new gasoline, I put some starting fluid in the carburator, I went to a mechanic school when i was in highschool and learned general knoledge on electricity reciprocating engines carburators etc. however I dont have any experience actually fixing them so while I know my way around and if I have to fix something I know how to fix it I just dont know what im supposed to fix. If you could please give me some tips on what to check where to check and maybe where I could get a shop manual and detailed information on the motor and also electronics of this car, I looked under the dash board and there is a loose wire But I dont know where its supposed to go to or where it comes from, but since all the wires and everything is original im afraid of messing up something that will greatly depreciate the car or cost me a fortune. I will very much appreciate your help, thank you.

Answer
If spraying starting fluid into the carburetor did not get at least a burp from the engine it would probably be that the problem is in the ignition system. Most likely the ignition points in the distributor are not making a contact to provide fire through the coil to the plugs. I would suggest getting a Motor's manual or a Buick shop manual. E bay is a good place to find manuals for your car.
Brad