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I had a recent job change, and have to move in a short amount of time. I have a 67 Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe, 330 ci/ jetaway trans, that won't start. It ran when I put it away in November. I've tried to troubleshoot the issue, but am running out of time.
I live in Coupeville, WA, on Whidbey Island. If anyone knows of a good mechanic or group with knowledge out here in the PNW, i would appreciate the reference.
From what I've been able to find, I have spark. I've also had a small flame shoot out of the carb, so I'm guessing I have fuel. This is an original 330 with a quadrajet with ~104k miles. The car it all original other than the seats being rehabbed.
Last edited by fgeese; April 15th, 2024 at 09:54 AM.
It used to start fantastic by pushing the gas pedal once to set the "choke", then it would fire right up. Right now, it only comes close to wanting to start by putting the pedal to the floor, regardless of the use of starting fluid.
Do you have a timing light that you can connect to the #1 spark plug wire and have someone crank the engine to see (1) if you have spark and (2) if it's got spark at the right time?
I have a timing light, but I don't have a dwell meter. The timing hasn't changed since I drove it last, which should mean it is still in time, but I know something could have changed. I drove this from Pittsburgh PA to Coupeville WA less than 2 years ago. Ran fantastic other than a wheel bearing. I feel like after doing the troubleshooting I have, it could be the carb. Possibly the difference in gas in PA as opposed to WA. I use lead additive as well, since it has the original seats.
How many miles are on it and do you know if the timing chain has ever been replaced?
When checking the timing, the cut mark on the balancer lined up with TDC on #1 cylinder with both valves closed. Not sure if the timing chain was ever done though. 104,000 miles
When mine hasn’t been started for a while, I pour some gas into the float bowl vent tube to fill the bowl. Try it and see if it fires up and runs - take note of everything that happens as it is good diagnostic information to help pinpoint an issue.
Last edited by Fun71; April 15th, 2024 at 11:43 AM.
Remove air cleaner, while looking down the carburetor with the keys in your pocket, operate the throttle at the carburetor and check that the carb is putting gas into the engine. If not your fuel pump might be history or the possibility of a bad gas hose somewhere in the system.
Remove air cleaner, while looking down the carburetor with the keys in your pocket, operate the throttle at the carburetor and check that the carb is putting gas into the engine. If not your fuel pump might be history or the possibility of a bad gas hose somewhere in the system.
I'll check. I know my in line filter is filling, that's located right before the carb.
I'll check. I know my in line filter is filling, that's located right before the carb.
That’s a good sign.
You said it has points, and I wonder if the contacts might be oxidized / dirty? Since it was running when parked, it should be fairly easy to get it running again. It’s likely something fairly simple.
[QUOTE=SY2455;1564725]Remove air cleaner, while looking down the carburetor with the keys in your pocket, operate the throttle at the carburetor and check that the carb /QUOTE]
Remove air cleaner, while looking down the carburetor with the keys in your pocket, operate the throttle at the carburetor and check that the carb /QUOTE]
WHey are the keys in in the pocket?
Years ago while helping someone who had a similar problem. The keys were left in the ignition and a teenager jump into the driver seat and tried to rank the engine. The owner ended up with wake up call when the engine backfired. Funny at the time, however it could have been bad.
Thanks for everyone's inputs so far. I have 6 weeks to get my house on the market, sold, and move to PA from WA. I just don't have the time to troubleshoot it. Sometimes you gotta pay the piper. Any shop suggestions in the puget sound area?
If you have spark and you have fuel in the carb filter, grab a nail file from the wife and give the points a couple of swipes. Pour a little gas down the carb primaries and make sure the choke flap is closed.
April 15th, 2024, 09:40 AM
