Re: [Amc-list] The '65 American 330 cranks - now to figure why it won't start

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

> Not so good news: it doesn't even sound like it's trying to start

I'd just go through "tune up" stuff top to bottom. It's not hard.

They plugs won't fire well covered in oil. I'd pull ALL the
plugs, crank for 20 seconds to fling the oil out the holes
(messy). If the plugs look like new, OK, squirt em with carb
cleaner (oil the threads slightly).  Why mess with crappy plugs?

If the wires are stiff, pitch 'em. If the cap and rotor look
crappy, pitch 'em.

The logic of "I'll get it to run first then change" is
bassackwards -- that's the same as "I'll make it as hard as
possible to get started the first time, then easier afterwards".

NEVER!!!! use sandpaper of any kind on points. ONLY a points
file, which is flat metal. And you don't need to file points,
it's not a Model A, if they're bad, they're bad. You CAN file
them, but that rarely fixes anything, as wearing points transfer
metal from one contact to another which by itself does not harm;
the pointy protrustion does NOT affect points gap. (The metal
transfer means the condenser value is not correct.)

Points gap isn't too critical for low speeds, eg. idle. Get it
close to 16 thousands and it'll start. One paper matchbook cover.

To check for spark, I'd run a plug wire into the coil tower, hold
the plug body onto the valve cover, then crank. It eliminates
variables (wires, cap, rotor) and prevents the motor from
starting up, and scaring the pants off you :-) If THAT doesn't spark, no
battery to coil, bad coil, bad points, etc.

You can even arrange to not need to crank it -- with the car ON,
set the plug and wire to the coil, then open the points with
your fingernail.  The plug should spark every time you OPEN
the points. If the points are closed, short them with a small
screwdriver (carefully, don't bend them) and it shoudl spark
when you pull it out.

> To check the fuel
delivery - I'd just pull the hose between the pump and the
carb and see if any fuel comes out when cranking, right?

Yup. Run a hose from the fuel line to a can, it will spit gas
all over the place, in pulses.


> leaking from around the water pump. Not sure if it's the pump,
> or just the gasket.

which is why people here recommend starting with pure water, not
coolant! Might as well drain it now (keep dogs and kids away from
it), fill with water, then watch for leaks. They will come :-)

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