Car won't turn over. looking for advice

Asked by Chevy_model2_type_30... Aug 14, 2020 at 09:14 AM about the 1962 Chevrolet Nova

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Had trouble getting ignition to occur so had to result to engine starter fluid for about a week. Now the engine won't start at all, though when I turn the key it still makes to buzzing sound in the cab(turning to run) turning to start it sound like its trying to turn over but sounds very sluggish. Tips and pointers would help. Also could it be fouled plugs or fuel pump/filter issues?

15 Answers

38,855

When you hit the key is the starter spinning but not engaged ? Or is it turning over slowly ? For the first problem look down the carburetor , work the throttle and there should be a squirt of gas from the side . What can happen is the fuel line rots out where it goes over the rear axle , it won't leak because it's high but the fuel pump will suck more and more air .

38,855

O.K. I'm with you , The engine is cranking slowly ? Make sure the batt is fully charged and terminals are clean , make sure the batt. cable connectors are in good shape , These older cars are what I first worked on , seems mechanics aren't that familiar with them today .

Yup, that got it cranking at speed. Now I just need to know if I should clean my plugs and cylind r rs after using the starter fluid for as long as I did and if so what to use. I'm asking cause the only trouble now is it won't ignite.

38,855

So now it cranks but won't run , plugs should be clean and gaped at about .035 inch . Check for spark , then use some gas in a soda bottle with a pin hole in the cap to squirt gas into the carb . then you'll know if it's a fuel problem .

38,855

There's a small tool with the numbers on it , there may be metric and standard on it . U-toob has many videos on a variety of car repairs

K, kinda got a new issue. While doing the plugs I changed the oil but my dip stick snapped. Before I go fishing for the broke end, what is the standard length of the stick id need to replace it. Sorry if this is a bit to much on needing help, as I said I'm still learning.

38,855

How on earth did you do that ? There is a tool that has spring loaded little fingers on the end that I think will fit down in there , if you retrieve it you can get a measure to transfer to any old cheby one ., if you leave it in it's not like it;ll get circulated through the engine and destroy things , Try to find an original or if you get a generic put in 5 quarts and mark that full .

38,855

And where ever you go some guy asks if it's for sale so he can hot rod it ? Keep it original , paint also , numbers matching and you can retire or go to school for what it's worth . All the parts are available but they ain't cheap . Looks like you need a strap for the battery .

38,855

Carburetors have a screw on the throttle plate to adjust and smooth the idle . It has a spring on it so that it doesn't move . Got more pics ?

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