Check out some similar questions!

educatedhorse_2005 · Jan 8, 2006, 10:26 PM

I have 1979 chevy pickup that just won't start
I replaced the clutch drove it a couple of days and I just won't start
I have plenty of spark and gas getting to the plugs
I have replaced everything in the distrubetor
I just can't figure it out please help
Thank you:confused:

Dr D · Jan 9, 2006, 09:37 AM

Could it be that the spark is getting to the plug(s) at the wrong time? If the distributor was removed, it could have been replaced in the wrong position. Double check your plug wire routing with the firing order (probably shown on the intake manifold). If it backfires through the carb, some wires are probably crossed. While someone cranks the starter, try to rotate the distributor cw & ccw to get some results. Good luck

labman · Jan 9, 2006, 09:52 AM

Before I moved the distributor, I would turn the engine to where the mark on the fan belt pulley is lined up with timing scale. Then pull the distributor cap and make sure the rotor is pointing straight at the contact for the #1 plug or the one on the opposite side of the distributor. If not, then loosen it and turn it. The marks line up when #1 is both at the top of the compression stroke and the top of the exhaust stroke.

If you have points, make sure they have the right gap. Have you looked at the plugs?

educatedhorse_2005 · Jan 11, 2006, 08:14 AM

I have tried that and still nothing changed pluds wires everything I can think of still nothing
Any other ideas

Dr D · Jan 11, 2006, 10:07 AM

I re-read your original post, and from it I assume that one day you shut off the vehicle and some days later it would not start. Correct? That should rule out the failure of some component at the moment of shut down. The only other thing I can think of is a stuck float that may have allowed an excess amount of fuel to get into the cylinders. That could have the effect of gas washing the rings, preventing the engine from achieving enough compression to run. You might try pulling the plugs and check the compression. If low, squirt some light oil or WD-40 in the cylinders to help the rings to seal. Does the engine sound like it is trying to start, or does it just spin with no sign of life?

educatedhorse_2005 · Jan 11, 2006, 10:49 AM

It sounds like it wants to start but can't quite get there
I will try your suggestion on my days off
And let you know how it works out
Thank you

labman · Jan 11, 2006, 10:58 AM

One more straw, the ballast resistor. Check for 6 volts at the coil primary with the key on, but not the starter. In start, the ignition bypasses the ballast resistor supplying 12 volts to the coil. In run, it goes through the ballast resistor dropping it the 6 volts all coils used before electronic ignition. With an open resistor, it fires, but dies as soon as you release the key.

cvgenterprise2 · Oct 19, 2011, 06:11 AM

Hi
I have a friend that has a 1979 Chevy Silverado Pickup Truck/350 engine that won't start. It won't get gas to the carborutor so I followed the fuel lines and I ending up replacing the fuel pump inside the gas tank. I took the gas tank down. The truck cranks good but still it didn't start. Come to find out I didn't know this truck has been parked for 2 years. Im going to change the spark plugs this morning. Also, when I pump the gas pedal, gas doesn't pump into the carb. What can I check there? Does the gas tank need to be full of gas? Is there anything else that I can check? Thanks. Victor

cvgenterprise2 · Oct 19, 2011, 06:16 AM

Hi
I have a friend that has a 1979 Chevy Silverado PickUp Truck /350 engine/8 cyl. That doesn't start. It cranks well but it wasn't getting any fuel to the carborator so I traced the fuel line to the gas tank and replaced the gas fuel line in the gas tank. I had this problem before in another car of mine. It still didn't start. Come to find out this truck has been parked for 2 years. Im going to change the spark plugs and points this morning. What else can keep it from starting?

TxGreaseMonkey · Oct 19, 2011, 06:59 AM

Old gas, carburetor gummed up. Check all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter. Also, check for spark.

silverado79 · Nov 14, 2012, 08:47 PM

Hello, here's the situation - The battery cranks over well, the starter is turning, and right when the engine normally fires (2-3 seconds) there is a grinding sound like gears, so I shut it off - what can I do?