starting issues

[TC4x4]

The '78 is causing some problems, i need to move it for winter and it won't start. It is either not getting fuel or spark it seems. I turn the key and it turns over and over no igniting,

So these are some more of the facts, it has been sitting for about 3 weeks, and has not been started, it has about an eighth of a tank in each tank, i added a couple of gallons to one of the tanks so it was not SO empty.

Any ideas of why it won't fire up?

Or what can i check?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Check for spark first thing.

 

[4xcrazy]

That's the first thing i always do if/when it dies, couple shots of ether down the intake, if you have spark, it will either start real quick or at least stumble. Alot of people don't like ether, it's not bad if used lightly

 

[gotblazers]

way i always figure it is pump the **** out of it and crank. If it smells like gas then you got a spark problem if not then vice versa.
-If its spark get a spark plug tester light and check those, If those are good check the ignition module and/or coil. Maybe just change em both if its due. I'd be suprised if that didnt take care of you.

-If its fuel check the connections/lines for leaks going back to the tank and change the fuel pump if you dont have any obvious fuel line issues. Short of a clogged carb/fuel line that should take care of that.

Thats pretty much how i fixed all my starting issues as funny as it sounds. With these old carb'ed chevys its often just a matter of tracking things down with a little common sense.

 

[diesel4me]

If it has a Q-jet carb,maybe the fuel bowl is leaking the gas into the intake after shutting it off,then you'll have to crank the hell out of it to get it filled again and finally fire up..gas evaporates quickly now that it has ethanol too,so just sitting a week or two might empty the bowl too..

I'd take the air cleaner off before trying to start it,and see if any gas squirts ourt when you operate the throttle,if not,chances are the carb bowl emptied itself ,Q-jets are noted for leaky fuel wells in the base of the carb letting the bowl drain over time after sitting awhile..you could have water in the gas too,from letting the tanks stay nearly empty too..