Carbs equipped cars, for novices

[FERDINANDO DI MATTEO <aroctek@domain.elided>]

CARB CARS;

No Start, No Run cars

Ok, we covered the battery first.  Now that the battery is no longer an
issue, What now, the car wont start?  Turn the key and nothing, not
even a click but lights work fine.  Take a jumper wire long enough to go
from the + battery post  or the battery cable connection terminal at the
starter motor,  Touch the solenoid terminal and crank to start with
ignition key on.   If the starter turns now it indicates the ignition
switch has gone south.  If the engine will not run after no more than a
half minute of cranking, stop.   The engine needs three things to make
it run, air, fuel and sparks, all at the exact right time.   The best
way to check if it is getting fuel and spark is to check the spark
plugs.   You do have the right socket, then pull #1 plug and with the
wire still connected, lay the plug down on the valve cover so the metal
hex of the plug rests on the metal valve cover,  While cranking look for
a nice healthy orange-blue spark.  If no spark, it cant run.  Check for
voltage at the coil terminals.   You should get at least 12.2 volts
there.  If no voltage there, check the fuse box for voltage at any of
the first 5 fuses with ignition switch on.   If no  voltage there the
ignition switch is probably shot.  Dont give up here, the circuit can
be made active with a temporary toggle switch and short jumper wires.
Or you may want to do without a switch just to get the car running.  Run
a jumper from the battery  + to the terminal with the green-black wire.
The car should start if there is fuel getting to the combustion
chambers.  How will you know if fuel gets to each cylinder?  Easy, if
the plugs stay dry (all four)  no fuel.  Wet plugs are an indication of
no spark or fouled plugs.   Open the hose connection at the Carb to see
if there is fuel flow.  Switch on and fuel pump running.  If plenty of
fuel flows (BE VERY CAREFUL to catch fuel in a container away from any
sparks)   Cut power off quickly.  Next remove the top of the carb to see
if the bowl is full.  If not check the needle valve and float.  This may
be a bit much for the novice so an expert may be called in.   Fuel
filter at the tank and in the engine compartment should be clean and
free to pass large quantity of gas.  If in doubt, change them.  Carb now
has a full bowl and there is spark, the engine should start instant=tly.
All of this must follow an engine that was running properly the day or
night you parked it.
We wont get into fuel pressure into the Carbs because you probably have
no pressure gauge to measure not over 2psi.
If the Carbs are too dirty and jets plugged up, you might want to seek a
pro to overhaul it-them.
Please ask for any part you dont understand and remind me if I left out
anything.  Happy days learning.  Fred Di Matteo
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