The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop won't start

Ok..Ok..I have a guy interested in my 50..anyway i haven't had it running since january,,The crazy thing won't start..tried pouring gas down carb,,Nothing,,I used to know what was wrong with these trucks..But i think my brain has gotten rusty..lol..anyway..I know someone will give me advice on here..I sure could use it ,,thanks in advance-design...lol

What does "Nothing" mean. Crank speed, spark, etc.

Like Baldy said what is "nothing"? It takes spark, fuel & air. I would first pull the fuel line from the carb & crank it. If there is no fuel it could be a plugged fuel line, bad pump or no gas in the tank. If there is fuel to the carb pull a plug wire & crank it with the ignition on, holding the end of the wire against a ground. No spark check the ignition components. If you get a spark it could be a plugged air filter but that's unlikely. I would then go back to the fuel system, pull the top off of the carb & make sure the gas you're getting to the carb is going through the carb. If it's been sitting that long there's a good chance you have a varnished carb & need a kit.

The first thing I do is go to the auto parts store and buy a can of engine starting fluid. Spray it ,choke it, and sometimes crank it. Need more info like Baldy said.

File the points first, check for spark, then check for fuel. Start with the basics,
Scott

While you're filing the points, make sure they're opening and that the rubbing block isn't worn down.

No spark...Coil?//Points??..truck last ran in january..

Check to see that you have power to the coil when the ignition switch is on, then see if the other LT terminal on the coil is switching from v+ to ground when the engine turns over. Then report back.

Baldy is taking you in the right direction. I had one thought (does happen on occasion) did you make sure the ignition switch was on when you checked for spark? That sounds dumb but it's not uncommon. Also, check for spark in a darkened condition. A spark is a lot easier to see in the dark. If you truly have no spark it's uncommon for a coil to go bad just sitting but it can happen. I would look at the points & condenser too.

This is exactly what I had to replace when I let my 49 sit to long between cranking it up (about 5 years ago). While I was at it, I also changed the plug wires, plugs,cap, rotor, and ballast resistor. But Baldy and the others might put you on a more simplified fix. Like check all your connections for corrosion or mouse bites.

50chev,
Did you ever get it cranked & running? I wished I had known about The Stovebolt Page 5 years ago before I replaced EVEYTHING to get mine running. These guys & gals are super at trouble shooting!