View Full Version : 1974 Chevy truck will crank but won't start
Butchc1
Apr 4, 2009, 08:02 AM
Truck lost power while driving down road. Will crank now but won't start. I replaced ignition coil, point and condenser... roter turns. Any suggestions?
jeffrey michael
Apr 4, 2009, 08:22 AM
May be the fuel pump?
TxGreaseMonkey
Apr 4, 2009, 09:33 AM
. Test all underhood and underdash fuses with a test light or multimeter:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145
. Test for spark. Perform the standard spark test; i.e. remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a properly gapped spark plug, touch the plug to a convenient ground, and observe the spark, while someone cranks the engine. Look for a good, solid spark. Did you gap the points properly?
. Test for fuel. Do you hear the fuel pump run, when the ignition key is turned to ON?
Butchc1
Apr 5, 2009, 09:16 AM
I changed rotor also. Gapped and regapped points with a feeler gauge just to make sure. Now the problem is NO fire from coil to distributor. I am going back to exchange coil for 3rd one. 1st one was def. bad, not sure about 2nd so I am going to try a 3rd.
mazak
Apr 5, 2009, 09:52 AM
Make sure coil wire is good .the one from the coil to the top of the distributor cap.
Butchc1
Apr 5, 2009, 11:03 AM
Mah I tried checking the coil wire but not sure if I did it right. It is also getting plenty of fuel.
Butchc1
Apr 5, 2009, 11:04 AM
Going to change coil and check all fuses now. I will get back with you... How can I check the cable for sure?
TxGreaseMonkey
Apr 5, 2009, 11:54 AM
Test for power to the distributor.
mazak
Apr 5, 2009, 11:57 AM
If you have a volt meter,you can put in on ohms,and check the resistance.the same way you check a fuse. Or you can just buy the single coil wire and replace it. Its been a while since I've worked on a 74 but from memory there is a porcelin piece on the firewall ,that has wires going to it,its white porcelin I think and has two studs coming out of it .and wires attach to it.it will cause ignition problems also.
What engine do you have in the truck a 6 or an 8 cyl, when you are setting the points with a feeler gauge,are you rotating the engine,so the points open and close?
Butchc1
Apr 5, 2009, 12:16 PM
It does have the porcelain thing on the firewall. I am working on it and learning as I go so excuse my ignorance... It has a 250, 6cyl. In it. I tried a different coil wire off my truck that runs and still nothing.
mazak
Apr 5, 2009, 12:23 PM
We all have to learn and we are still learning. butchc1, don't worry about not knowing .might trade out the porcelin thing,as well just to see .