The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area The Engine Shop 1953 Chevy 3600 original 6 volt won’t start

Bought truck about 4 years ago and ran without issues a year ago, it sat for 6 months and now won’t start. I’ve changed the distributor all spark plugs and wires, brand new battery and coil all new. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Live in South Carolina

I was having trouble with my 38 being hard to start at times. Turned out to be my condenser. JonG has worked up an excellent alternative to the stock condenser. He used to have an ad in the parts for sale forum but I don't know if it's still there. Unless it was made a sticky it could be a ways from the top of the thread list.

I found the thread: https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...88815/new-advanced-design-condenser.html

Start with the basics. Does it have spark? Critters can do a lot of damage to wiring in six months, parts can corrode. Is it getting fuel? Is it year old ethanol fuel?

Have you done any other work on it since it ran last?

Does it turn over?

Have you checked ALL of your ground connections from the battery to the frame and block? Ground gremlins are a major source of problems and are easy to fix.

Are you using ethanol gas?

Do you have gas at the carb? Have you disconnected the fuel line at the carb and pumped gas into a bottle to see that you have a good stream while cranking the engine?

Have you checked for spark?

Why did you replace the distributor? Is the new one installed correctly so the timing is right?

Mike B

1953 chevy 3600 I saw the mechanic in my hick town whip the distributor cap off and put an old junckie screwdriver in the points and scratch till the sparks flew whipped the cap back on she fired right-up !! Crude but try it !!!

I bought a spark tester in case I have the problem that you are experiencing now.
It's bright enough to see through my windshield.

Seeing you live in Sumter (I'm in Spartanburg by the way) i would be highly suspect of corrosion somewhere in the system. I think is was Tiny that mentioned the condenser. I second that motion as well as corrosion issues. I've had more than one
NEW condenser that was bad in my lifetime.

Usually the first thing is the spark and the spark tester is a handy gadget and can be used different ways...like testing fire to a lawn mower plug.
Until just a few years ago I simply held the wire in my hand. Not so much so anymore!!!!

I have solved many a no-start scenario just by cleaning the points. That is where I always start now. its an easy fix, and it happens so often that I'm done almost before I begin.

What are some of the other "symptoms" that you're experiencing? What is it actually doing/not doing? Are you sure it is timed correctly after replacing the distributor? Spark plug wires hooked up to correct cylinder?