starts, wont start

[redneckdds]

got a new(haha) 65c10 and lately it struggles to start, sometimes with starter fluid it'll fire up, other times it wont make a sound. I need help diagnosing and fixing this... is there a better sub-forum for my rookie needs?

[Cris]

Post what motor you have, carb, and distributor. Once it starts does it stay started?

You can do some quick and dirty tests to check for fuel and spark. First take a tablespoon of gas and pour it down the carb, then try starting. If it fires (for a short period) it is likely a fuel issue. If it doesn't, next pull a spark plug, run a short wire from the threaded (ground) portion of the plug to the engine block. Crank the engine and look for spark. (They make nifty inexpensive spark testers if you go to the local auto parts store. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q25UBjOThm0

[redneckdds]

thx Cris... I will give that stuff a look
randomly it will start on its own, sometimes it needs a hit of starter fluid
other times there is no response. I drove it the other day for about 30 mins and it stalled out and we couldnt get it started again, with a very weak crank. So I went home and got my car hauler trailer, went back to get the truck (about an hr later) and had my son just try and it started right up like it should. Drove it home, turned it off, tried starting again and nothing... thinking possibly the fuel pump???

Its an unknown yr 350, I dont know the brand of dist or carb.
the previous owner did know it was a 350

[Cris]

Fuel and Spark are the engine's two needs. You'll obviously need to be checking these things when it is not starting. A check of the battery while cranking would also be a good idea.