Won't start.

[85ironhead]

I pulled my 74 outside then it got cold. It will not idle even after holding pedal at idle for 5 minutes. Quad ran great until It got cold. New tank and lines. Could it be points?

 

[paratrooper307]

So it starts but won't stay running? If I understand your description it dies when you release the pedal?

Check your carburetor and make sure the choke and linkage are functioning properly. You also may have a clogged fuel filter or a weak pump. Vacuum leaks can also prevent it from idling without help. Wouldn't hurt to check points, but if you can get it to run probably not the issue.

 

[Fordum]

Also, what does the temp gauge say, if you have one. A stuck open thermostat might keep the engine from being warm enough to idle without the choke even after 5 minutes.
If you have the electric assist choke, then the choke would be open and off the fast idle by then even though the engine would still be cold.

 

[85ironhead]

I got the carb from Summit and it was not the exact match. I had to remove what I think was an electronic device which I now assume was some type of choke. It does have the Divorce choke system.

 

[diesel4me]

Might take a fuel sample and see if there is any sign of water in it..since it was ok before the temp dropped--maybe the gas line froze up or the filter,etc..I assume it was in a garage before??..

 

[85ironhead]

Yes and it ran good until I pulled it out. I live in East TN. The lowest temp was about 28 but warms up in day. I have a clear filter and don't see water but I can take it off and check it. Any idea what the cylinder is that cam off old carb is? It was connected in drivers side of carb at front.

 

[diesel4me]

Stock GM carbs had a idle stop solenoid on the drivers side of it--that was connected with a wire to the ignition,and when you turn the key on the solenoid's plunger pops out,and touches the throttle lever,and sets the idle speed...when you shut off the key it retracts and allows the butterfy's to close 100% to prevent run-on or "dieseling" ..

Most engines dont really need that hooked up,but you;ll have to adjust the idle speed screw to get it to idle around 600 rpm in drive hot,if it wants to run on after shutting it off you can try backing it down a bit more--it might want to stall though..if thats the case you should be able to put the solenoid back on your new carb by using the original bracket maybe..

I'd guess your choke isn't closing enough when its cold or maybe the fast idle cam isnt kicking up the idle speed when cold..how does it run warmed up?--or it will not even start at all now?..check for spark if thats the case--..if it has spark its probably not the points..

 

[85ironhead]

Ok I am going to ask stupid questions, but I am trying to learn. What is the best way go check for spark and which is the idle mixture?

 

[diesel4me]

Pull off a spark plug wire and put an old plug in it,and lay it on the engine so its grounded good,and crank it over..you should see a bright blue spark every so often if the ignition system is working...you wont see a spark with every revolution,only every 8th on an 8 cylinder,since we are only checking one cylinder..

On the front of the carb facing the thermostat there are two small screws way down low on the base of it--those are the idle mixture screws..one does the right side,one does the left--sometimes they are capped off or plugged so you cant mess with them though....the idle SPEED screw is on the side of the cabb near the lever the throttle cable goes too,it bears up against that lever..

 

[85ironhead]

Ok thanks.

 

[blazer74]

Got points, If no spark check point gap and run a piece of sandpaper folded over thru the gap or use a nail file. Condensers are known to short and cause a no start but usually is intermittent and when hot. They are cheap anyways (points/condenser).

 

[diesel4me]

Not here anymore!-last time I bought points for a V8 chevy they had to ORDER them in,and they were 18 bucks ,7 for the condensor!..if I ordered Uni-Points they wanted 25 bucks..this was for Standard-Blue Streak ones,not the cheap discount store variety (which have also become extinct here for the most part too)..

I guess they consider points "antique" parts or obsolete now,and are priced accordingly..carb floats have gone way up in price lately too,probably because ethanol is eating them up..many foam type ones cant be used or bought any more,they are making brass ones to replace them at a much higher price..

 

[blazer74]

Napa stocks Them here, uni-points start at 12.49 for cheap ones and about 25 bucks for the better ones. Very few places stock standard anymore, I used to buy blue streak years ago.

 

[85ironhead]

I have the Pertronix kit and coil but I think I will let someone else put it in.