Need help...

[DtownSteve]

My '72 c-10 350/350 won't start.

It ran fine all day, running lots of errands, starting and stopping without problem. Filled the gas tank up, started it a few more times without incident, then parked it in my girlfriend's driveway. It sat for about 2 hours, and now it won't start. It cranks just fine, and I "smell" gas, but it won't even sputter.

The driveway is on an incline, so I thought maybe getting it to level ground would help, but no such luck. I tried spraying some starter fluid directly into the carb, and not even a cough.

So logic would dictate it's either not getting fuel or not getting spark, right? Like I said I "smell" gas (subjective, I know), so I focused on the ignition side. I took the distributor cap off and made sure everything was dry, then replaced some shoddy-looking vacuum lines including the one running to the dirtributor (vacuum advance, right?). Still nothing. I even tried jumping it off a friend's vehicle to no avail (I have had battery drainage problems in the past, so why not, right?). As far as the fuel system goes, even if it wasn't getting gas wouldn't it still at least respond somewhat with the starter fluid?

I'm looking for basic trouble-shooting advice (I know you guys are good at this stuff). Keep in mind I am kind of a "n00b" when it comes to auto mechanics and bought this truck to sort of learn as I go. I'm just hoping its some stupid little thing I keep missing. As of right now it's parked in the street in front of the gf's neighbors house, so I'm limited as to how much I can tear into things before I have to have it towed to my garage.

Any help would be appreciated, and I will check back often so if you have any q's shoot away and I will answer ASAP. Thanks in advance.

Steve

[LockDoc]

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Do you know if it has a standard "points" distributor or if it is an HEI?

LockDoc

[pumpgas]

Take off a plug wire hold it on the alt brakcet and turn the motor over. If you have a spare plug laying around (doesn't matter what it's to) put that in the wire it'll make things much easier.

My personal opinion it sounds like you have a ignition problem either pick up coil or the coil itself. When you took the cap off did you happen to see the carbon brush under the cap on the cap side it makes contact with the rotor and if it's worn down to far it wont make contact and no spark. The pick up coil can be found under the rotor and removed with a 1/4 socket or nut driver and then tested at your local parts store. Those are the 2 easy and most common problems.

Oh and BTW if you spray starting fluid into the carb and nothing happens it is def a ignition issue. WD40 is much easier on a engine and does the same thing.

[DtownSteve]

Standard original distributor. That will definately be the next thing I check, thanks.

[texanidiot25]

Sounds like a coil might have bit the dust. Exactly what mine did last weekend. Was firing up strong the day before, and the next day couldn't get it to fire up. Dropped in a new coil pack in the HEI and it comes to life on the 1st bump of the key.

[A.P.]

It might be that your points on your standard distributor might be fried. Also check continuity between your primary coil and secondary coil. Good luck.

[DtownSteve]

So I went back today to start troubleshooting and wouldn't you know, I hooked the battery up and it started right up with no hesitation. HEI has been on my list as one of the first things to do, so it sounds like now is the time. Thanks all for the help anyway

[monte0185]

Hei's are cheap on ebay. Might want to pick one up. Glad your not stranded anymore. Might have been very bad if the G/F got mad at ya.

[Kayotic]

Sounds like your truck got jealous!

[DtownSteve]

Originally Posted by Kayotic

Sounds like your truck got jealous!

I know, I need to cut back on how much time I spend with her...

[cdowns]

sounds like the engine was flooded //should have taken a plug or three out to check thier condition for being wet and or buildup and improper gapping