Brent Kasl wrote:
snip
> fired up. I drove to the gas station to fill the tank with fresh fuel
> and a block back home, the same problem, except now it will not restart
> at all.
snip
Brent, a few thoughts:
If the problem is now permanent or semi-permanent consider yourself lucky. A
continuous problem is much easier to solve than an intermittent type.
I think then I would proceed to isolate the problem by system, ie: either the
ignition system or the fuel system.
1. Ensure that you have power to the ignition system.
2. Check the plugs to make sure that they can fire (clean, not oil or gasoline
saturated)
3. Ensure that you are getting spark: take a spark plug and wire and put the wire
into the spark coil output. Arrange so that the spark plug is grounded and will
not move, e.g.: place it on the head or block, wedging it in so that it will not
move. Crank the engine and look for a good fat spark.
4. Check the ignition timing, since it was running this is probably OK, but
check it anyway.
(An alternative method that I use as a quick check to see if the ignition system
is working is to first check the plugs to make sure that they are dry and will
fire, then spray some ether based quick start into the carbs. If the engine
jumps to life, then dies you will know that the ignition system is OK. Some
people worry about the inherent safety of ether based spray, make your own
judgement)
Another thought is to use the tach as a diagnostic tool. When you are driving
the car, if the engine suddenly dies, the engine will still be rotating,
presuming that you leave it in gear. An electronic tach (but not a mechanical
tach) will give you some insight. If the tach is giving a good reading of the
engine speed, then this says that the primary circuit (at least) is running.
Example: you are driving and the engine dies, leaving the car in gear look at the
tach, if the tach has dropped to zero, that tells you that the primary circuit is
not working, if the tach is reading engine speed that tells you that the primary
circuit is still working. In fact you can use this when you attempt to start the
engine. The tach will show some non zero reading as you crank the engine provided
if the primary is working.
I have run out of time to write down my thoughts on troubleshooting the fuel
system. Maybe someone else can take up this task.
Also remember to periodically stop and think through the problem afresh,
questioning all of your previous assumptions. I personally find that when I have
a problem that is really difficult to solve, I have usually overlooked the true
cause early in the diagnostic phase.
Good luck,
-Roger
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