Wont start

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Froglike, Jan 10, 2014.

  1. Froglike

    Froglike Member

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    ok, I recently rebuilt my motocraft 2barrel because i could not get the car to fire at all. once i rebuilt it and made adjustments I got it to start just fine.

    Currently, the starter motor will crank but the car won't start. I have new cap/wires/plugs, and new fuel filter. I had found a few vacuum leaks and fixed them.

    Two days ago it started getting really hard to start and now it won't start at all, but i have no idea why. It is getting fuel, and i have tried starting with the choke totally closed and totally open, the throttle pedal is a bit sticky but it works and is pumping fuel, but it won't fire.

    Any ideas?
     
  2. Froglike

    Froglike Member

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    and i have tried pumping once, twice, and pumping the **** out of it, allowing ample time between incase it was getting flooded
     
  3. mercgt73

    mercgt73 Member Supporting Member

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    Pull a plug to see if it is flooded.
    Check for spark at the plug(s).
    See if it will fire off of starter fluid.

    The results of those checks will point you in the next direction.
     
  4. MSmithPDX

    MSmithPDX Member

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    What ignition system do you have in it?

    Sounds like a bad condenser.

    Before pulling a plug, I would pop off my distributor cap. It's wet here today, I had to wipe out my distributor cap when firing up the Comet last night before it would start smooth.
     
  5. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    definitely check for spark.
    does your car still have points?
    check the points
    condensor
    and coil if you dont have spark and it sounds like you dont have spark
     
  6. Froglike

    Froglike Member

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    Used some starter fluid, got it fired up. Once it warmed up it started running fine. The problem now is that when you go to accelorate it will die unless I just give it a tiny bit of gas, any more and it stalls. It is more frustrating because the gas pedal sticks a bit at the beginning, so when it unsticks it gets too much and stalls.

    Sorry this is turning into such a saga, but thanks for the help!
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2014
  7. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    a weak spark can cause those symptoms.
    bad gas can act that way.
    improper carb rebuild can act like that.

    does the accelerator pump squirt fuel into the carb when you move the throttle linkage. you can check this with out the engine running. you just need to look down the throat of the carb with the choke open and then move the throttle and you should see gas squirt with the slightest movement of the the throttle lever.

    check for the strength of the spark.
    take the coil wire off of the top of the distributor.
    put a phillips head screwdriver in to the coil wire.
    rest the screwdriver on the intake or valve cover with the metal of the screw driver about 1/2 inch of gap between it and the motor.
    now crank the motor while observing the color of the spark that should be jumping the gap.
    a bright color like white or orange is a good strong spark a dark color like dark blue is a weak spark and indicative of a weak coil, bad points, or bad condenser.
    do some testing and you wont have spend lots of money on parts you dont need
     

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