The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop It cranks, got fuel, no spark...hmmmm

'69 GMC 350 4 bbl. I bought it cheap cause starter bolt holes were supposedly broken.

Starter is installed and cranks now, heh, heh....But

Gas squirts from carb accelerator pump when stroked. 12 volts to and from coil....But no spark at plugs.....hmmmm.

Previous owner says it was running when starter broke a year ago....been sitting ever since.

What's the first thing you guys would check?

If it still has points, you might have to clean and reset the gap or replace them. While the cap is off, check the rotor, see if there is any burnt spots. Got another coil to try?

points and cond.

I guess I'll break down and go get some parts. I was hoping this thing would fire.

I don't want to put any money in it cause It will get a crate motor as soon as I let the savings recover....And I hate that dab-blasted rear mounted distributor! It's hard to get to.

Been getting a good look at it since I got it home. I don't think this engine is original. I need to get some casting #'s off the block and look it up. The heads have the double triangles...So they cross as later model, And it's 4 bbl....

Still, it would be nice to hear it fire. I guess I'll dig up the year model of the engine and go fetch ignition parts.

Here's a quick trick- - - - -if it's got the "window" type distributor with the sliding adjustment window for the points. The points are held in with 2 screws and the point assembly is slotted, so the screws don't have to be completely removed to change points. Take the points out, and use an emery board or fine-grit sandpaper to clean the contacts, then wash with lighter fluid, alcohol, or some other quick-drying solvent. When you reinstall them, use a business card to guesstimate the gap, with the rubbing block on the high point of one of the cam lobes. Once it's running, turn the adjusting screw clockwise with a 1/8" Allen wrench until the engine stalls. Back the adjustment out exactly 1/2 turn, and the dwell will be adjusted to 30 degrees. Chances are the only problem keeping it from running is a set of dirty points. Good luck!
Jerry

Yodaddy--

I get a chuckle every time I think of you appropriatin that truck. Let me say that if ur pokin around down there--and you come accross any motorsicles that have Indian written on the gas tanks or little indian chief heads on the fenders or real goofy lookin large fenders over the wheels--- where some ole boy has a starter or ingnition problem and needs to git it off the place--I want you to email me IMMEDIATELY .

LOL! I'll call you, I promise.

No joke, I was chatting with another fireman who works next door to me. He came over for coffee this morning while we were waiting to go home. I showed him pics of my ugly truck and he told me a story. (He is a part time farmer and lives out in the sticks)

He had a perfect stock 49 International that he sold a few years ago for $300 to a hick neighbor. It was running and they guy wanted it to use around the farm. He said he would bet it was sitting broke and he could buy it back for the same price.

He siad he would let me know!