The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Need some basic help first...

I have a 1953 Chevy, and the last time I parked it six months ago I had replaced the coil, points and plugs, it was timed and it would start right up.
I then had problems with the gas tank, so it sat for a while. I've replaced the tank and now I can only get a sputter and a cough, it wont actually run and then its floods and I'm stuck frustrated and mad!
I'm getting good gas flow, but intermittent spark at the plugs.
1. First things first, I want to make sure I'm using the right spark plugs. I'm using AC r-45. Is there a plug that fires better? (206 engine w/ 12v conversion) I figured I'd get new plugs.
2. Secondly, I'm using fresh 89 octane gas. should I go with a different gas or octane booster? After many tries to start the plugs aren't really fouled, just wet.
Thanks in advance for the help.
FYI: I tried Racecarl's testing advice and i confirmed that the points are opening and closing and the condenser is good.
Jason

Of course, that was a typo -- I have the 216 engine.

The plugs being wet indicate two different problems: overfueling or lack of ignition.

First of all, dry the plugs with compressed air or replace them. Get everything put back in ready-to-run condition.

Since you had problems with the fuel tank (I'm guessing rust) maybe a little piece of rust got into the needle and seat of the carburetor, which then floods your engine out. If you can, shut the gas off at the tank and try starting the engine. It will run for a little bit with what fuel is left in the float bowl. If it runs fine until the float bowl empties, look at the carburetor, particularly the needle and seat.

As far as intermittent ignition testing, hook a test light up to the (+) terminal on the coil and ground the other end of the light to the block. Try starting the engine. If the light flickers more than just slightly and goes out at the same time the engine dies, look at the circuit feeding the coil. If this checks out, hook a timing light to the high tension coil wire. If it doesn't flash every 1/3 turn of the engine, either the coil is bad or the points are not getting a signal to the coil.

I would be more suspect of the carburetor, especially since you had to replace the tank. It takes just a small piece of debris to hold the needle off the seat, and that WILL flood things out every time.

Let us know the results!!!

Update....I put new plugs in and it started right up and runs fine. Barely misfires.
Its hard for me to understand how the other spark plugs go "bad" just sitting there, but they apparently did. They are really not that old.
In any event, I also cleaned the carb and now I just need to tackle the brakes. I can get good pedal pressure, but in a day its gone.....I suspect a brake cylinder or two needs replacing.
Thanks again.

Jason, do not forget our sponsor,american classic has a lot of stuff, they are located not for from the Dallas area,(Aubrey) think that it is close to Denton, just click on the site on our site front page and you can see their stuff, I also e-mailed you, let me know if you received it, I have not been receiving any back,maybe no one wants to response, but let me know,,,FRed

Have you pulled all four drums yet?

Are you having to add brake fluid?