[AMC-list] Matador won't start- don't throw parts til you diagnose.

[Jesse <j2sax@xxxxxxxxx>]

Be sure to check your voltage at the coil and at the solenoid during cranking where the solenoid is supposed to be sending full voltage to the coil... though I am not sure if your ign system has been upgraded.  When it's in the "run" it uses reduced voltage.  Check your owner's manual for exact specs.  If you don't have a voltmeter, go to Sears or Harbor Freight and get one....less than $20 and well worth it!  

Also, do a quick voltage drop test... might take a buddy to help you with it... go to the internet to find out how.  Very often the case is there is enough voltage to crank, but not enough to energize the ign during the start sequence.  

Also, go out and buy a vacuum gauge/fuel pressure tester... also CHEAP!  plumb into your fuel line and find out if you're getting adequate pressure.  once you get it running again, the vacuum side will give you the opportunity to set optimal timing and set idle screws.  

Proper diagnosis is the best way avoid throwing useless $$ at a problem that is never going to be fixed with the parts you are using!  

Best of luck to ya! 

Jesse





Message: 4
Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:35:01 -0400
From: Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>
To: Troy McCall <tbmccall@xxxxxxxxx>,     "AMC, Rambler, Nash, Jeep and
    family" <amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] Matador wont start
Message-ID: <4FE70975.4050202@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Your starting problem isn't the solenoid. If it were that, the engine 
wouldn't crank at all.

Start with the simple stuff before throwing parts at it. First thing is 
to make sure there is spark. You can do that by pulling a plug wire off, 
pulling back the boot so the terminal is exposed and holding it about a 
1/4" from the end of the plug. With someone cranking the engine, you 
should see a nice blue spark.

If that checks out, the next thing to do is check fuel. Remove the air 
cleaner and hold the choke open. While looking down the carb, open the 
throttle all the way. You should hear and see a steady stream of fuel. 
If not, you have no fuel.

Matt 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.amc-list.com/pipermail/amc-list-amc-list.com/attachments/20120624/284fe965/attachment.htm>
_______________________________________________
AMC-list mailing list
AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com