74 turns over but is not starting….my fuel is low but gauge isn’t working
- Thread starter Alweeja
- Start date
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
Pour a little gas into the carb . Usually does the trick if you have compression and spark . Might just be needing a bit of a prime if it sat for quite a while.
- Thread starter
- #3
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
Danada .
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
It may be obvious but have you checked or replaced your inline fuel filter ? Sometimes it’s the obvious things that aren’t all that obvious…..obviously. If the filter is dirty or sucking air that could be your issue. Just a thought.
- Mar 4, 2020
- 9,966
- 10,541
On Roadkill garage a small leak in the fuel filter caused a dead car.
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
You bet and oddly when there are fuel delivery issues it tends to be overlooked. Check the simple stuff first I always say .
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
If you have fuel in the tank disconnect the line from the fuel pump that goes to the carburetor or throttle body whatever the case and stick the end in an empty container and crank the engine and it should piss out fuel. If it does the problem is further up the line. If you get no flow it’s either a plugged fuel line or the pump is like a Norwegian Blue parrot. Dead .
- Thread starter
- #11
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
Does the engine start when you pour some gas into the carburetor which I believe your car has ? Probably a Rochester 4 barrel carburetor. At least then you know that you have spark and compression.I like the Norwegian Blue parrot reference.
I will try your steps.....
- Thread starter
- #13
Mine is a Holley 600cfm
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
Same idea . Same procedure.
Last edited:
- Dec 2, 2020
- 29
- 31
You could also try spraying some ether starting fluid into the carb to get the engine to fire - but don't overdo it, or you could damage the engine. If it won't fire from that stuff, it's likely something else that's wrong.
If it does fire:
Your car should have a mechanical fuel pump, lower front passenger side of the engine, there's a rubber suction hose from the tank, and possibly a smaller vapor return hose - if these lines are plugged or leaking, or the suction line collapses under suction, that could be the problem. Or a plugged filter... or plugged tank suction strainer... or water / sediment / rust in the gas tank... or gas is too old to fire... or the fuel level is too low... or..
Some more info on the car would help in diagnosing the problem - when was the last time the car was driven and was it working OK at the time, how much it has been driven, how it was stored, what work has been done on it in the last 10 years or so, has anything been worked on or replaced on the fuel system, etc.
Why not put 10-15 litres or so of fresh gas into the tank - that should be one of the easiest things to try. Unfortunately, there's lots of opportunity for rust or crud to build up or deterioration to occur on a 52-year old car's fuel system
If it does fire:
Your car should have a mechanical fuel pump, lower front passenger side of the engine, there's a rubber suction hose from the tank, and possibly a smaller vapor return hose - if these lines are plugged or leaking, or the suction line collapses under suction, that could be the problem. Or a plugged filter... or plugged tank suction strainer... or water / sediment / rust in the gas tank... or gas is too old to fire... or the fuel level is too low... or..
Some more info on the car would help in diagnosing the problem - when was the last time the car was driven and was it working OK at the time, how much it has been driven, how it was stored, what work has been done on it in the last 10 years or so, has anything been worked on or replaced on the fuel system, etc.
Why not put 10-15 litres or so of fresh gas into the tank - that should be one of the easiest things to try. Unfortunately, there's lots of opportunity for rust or crud to build up or deterioration to occur on a 52-year old car's fuel system
- Thread starter
- #16
Great ideas & real life experience. I will check the fuel pump to see if it is operating. The last time I drove it was about 6 months ago. I parked her with “intentions” of replacing the calibers. She sat idle for a month.
When I went to start her she turned over fine, but but no spark. From the driver’s seat I could not tell if the carb is getting any gas. I am going to get a friend to watch it as I crank the car. Before that I will, like you suggested put 5 gallons of fresh gas in the car. Last time I measured with the gas level with a broom handle there was about 1/2 an inch of gas in the tank. Some eyes on the engine and fresh fuel will hopefully get her going again.
I will follow up with my solutions and the Roar of my Flowmaster 40’s.
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
That reminds me. Disconnect the coil wire and hold it very close to a grounded point and crank the engine and check for spark. Also inspect your distributer cap and rotor for issues. If you have fuel, air , compression and spark it should fire as you are no doubt aware. Bonne Chance !Great ideas & real life experience. I will check the fuel pump to see if it is operating. The last time I drove it was about 6 months ago. I parked her with “intentions” of replacing the calibers. She sat idle for a month.
When I went to start her she turned over fine, but but no spark. From the driver’s seat I could not tell if the carb is getting any gas. I am going to get a friend to watch it as I crank the car. Before that I will, like you suggested put 5 gallons of fresh gas in the car. Last time I measured with the gas level with a broom handle there was about 1/2 an inch of gas in the tank. Some eyes on the engine and fresh fuel will hopefully get her going again.
I will follow up with my solutions and the Roar of my Flowmaster 40’s.
- Aug 30, 2014
- 15,653
- 22,164
That's a good idea but look closely for cracks in the wire insulation before you do that. Not much amperage but lots of voltage to wake you up fast... lol...
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4,415
- 7,466
Ha ha ! Good point. Who knows how old those leads are or what has been chewing on them. Years ago back in electrical shop class it was popular to toss a charged capacitor at the new guy, here catch …..low voltage rated of course. Still sting though. Nasty.
- Aug 30, 2014
- 15,653
- 22,164
Actually an automobile condenser from days gone by carry about 450 or more volts. But like I mentioned, low amps. We use to do that as well. Toss a charged condenser and when they catch it and touch the lead wire and the condenser body at the same time..... Well... you know the result... time to start running away... lol...