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Nick, I would start with the easiest things first and do a simple elimination until you figure out exactly why it won't start. #1 Spark plugs. #2 Spark plug wires. #3 ignition coils.#4 air/fuel filter. #5 Fuel injectors. #6 Fuel pump. #7 Electronic control module(ECM)/computer. If these things I have stated are replaced with new, then there is no reason it shouldn't start. I gave you this list as easiest to hardest to replace. You may find that the problem is only with the spark plugs, then obviously you have detected the issue and do not need to continue replacing components. I hope this helps, and good luck. ^^
First thing I would check on a GM brand truck that wont start is the fuel pressure. Many parts stores have tools you can borrow or rent. Head there and grab a fuel pressure tester. And ask them if they know the specification for fuel pressure on your truck. If this is not an option you can always try squirting a shot or two of carb cleaner or a shot of starting fluid. (Be careful! Highly flammable stuff!!) If the squirt helps it start and run briefly look into the fuel pump and/or wiring circuit. If the fuel pressure is below spec but there, odds are u need to replace fuel pump and filter. If there is no pressure could be bad fuel pump or wiring.
if fuel pressure is within spec then next thing to look at is ignition. Pull the wire off the distributor that comes from the coil and place it next to a clean piece of metal on the engine. While cranking the engine look to see if the spark is jumping from the wire end to the clean metal. If so the coil is good. Next try a wire off one of the spark plugs the same way. Then u know the distributor is working. If the truck is old and hasnt had a tune up in a while that would be a good place to start also. New distributor cap and rotor and new spark plugs and wires would be a good starting point. Making sure the plug wires are in proper order on the distributor and going to the proper spark plugs could also be the cause. Another thing to check is the timing of the ignition from the distributor with a timing light. Hope this is helpful
Try cranking it at night in the dark and see if you see spark jumping around the spark plug wires or distributor cap..If you do..Replace them..
Remove distributor cap and check contacts on cap and rotor..
Partially remove coil wire and have someone crank engine and look for spark at wire end.
Pretty sure your car has points in distributor ,be sure they're clean or replace them..
Use Google for locations.
Check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark try putting very small amount of gas/starting fluid in the carb, if it starts its a fuel problem. check fuel filter and fuel pump. If no spark check coil.
what year? if it a 350. take 12 volts directly to the distributor. if its cranking then dump some fuel down the carb. that should make it run for a little. if you are getting spark you are not getting fuel if it won't start
Some things you can check. First, with the engine off, look down into the carburetor and quickly move the throttle. You should see a squirt of fuel. If not, the accelerator pump is bad. If that is OK, check the spark itself. It should bridge a half inch gap with no problem and should be healthy (have good "snap" and bluish color). If OK, check the two wires that run from the ignition module inside the distributor, down under the breaker plate.Often those wires can partially break or short to the housing...when the advance moves the plate it will cause a problem. Only other thing I can think of is timing. That engine likes from 8 to 12 degrees advance (depends on fuel quality) if it's set wrong it can make it fall on it's face when you floor it. (bad chain can do that too).
Any time a car sits for a long period of time you should completely drain the gas tank. The gas is more then likely stale. Try pouring a little new gas into the carb or use starting fluid. If it starts you have found your problem and will more then likely have to drain and clean the tank and replace the fuel filter.
If it does not start with the new gas, it is either a compression or timing issue. If you have spark at the plugs, and GOOD fuel in the carb and it still wont start I would check the timing. If the timing is on, check compression. If the engine sat to long with no oil in the cylinders they can build up condensation and rust. Then when you try to start it with the rust in the cylinders it can destroy the rings and cause compression loss.
definitely a fuel issue. be sure to check that the distributor isnt 180 degrees off. you say it'll start when you pour some fuel into the carb, it sounds like you arent getting enough fuel then. try adjusting the float level higher so that more fuel will be pumped through. and how old is the carb? has it been rebuilt recently? make sure the jets are clean and adjusted properly. make sure none of the mixture screws are bottomed out. it sounds like it's all the quadrajet's fault on this one!
remove the fuel line from the carb, put it into a bottle, crank the engine, If the bottle has fuel in it the fuel pump is working properly, if not, check the filter, and the fuel lines to the tank!!!
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