Will not start

Tiny
MARTIN MIGNOT
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I need help.


Since I changed my camshaft, my car will not start again. I tried to start it with one battery nothing. Two batteries and it is trying to start but cannot. Is this an electrical problem or a timing problem? Thanks for your help.


Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 AT 11:36 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

Remove the plugs and see how it cranks. Lets make sure the engine is not too tight.

You may have the timing advanced on the distributor. Use a timing light while cranking and see if it is too far advanced.

Did you set the gears correctly?

Roy
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Friday, May 4th, 2018 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
MARTIN MIGNOT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hey,

Thanks for your answer. I will check my timing but I am a rookie with the timing lamp. One of my friends told me that it may be a ground wire issues. Is it possible? And what do you mean set the gears correctly? Thanks.
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Friday, May 4th, 2018 AT 11:49 PM
Tiny
MARTIN MIGNOT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
And also, a mechanic told me that it seems like the car has not enough power to start because it turns slowly when I try to start it.
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Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 2:24 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Start with removing the plugs and cranking the motor and see if it turns frrely.

When you changed the camshaft, you replaced the timing chain. The two gears the chain connects is what I am referring to.

Roy
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Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
MARTIN MIGNOT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi back,

Thanks for your answer. I will take a look at it when he gets back to home. And I just wanted to know something, the guy changed as well the crankshaft. And the problem looks like a faulty crankshaft position sensor (already got that messy thing). But does the El Camino have one? If not, what needs to be replaced about the crankshaft? Because it is turning very slow apparently. Thanks
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Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay,

No, no crank sensor. Way too early for that technology.

What do you mean about replacing the crankshaft? It sounds like he has overhauled your engine.

Roy
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Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
MARTIN MIGNOT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I think he did overhauled the engine. And I saw the distributor is a Delco Remy. Is that not obsolete? Do you think if I change all the ignition system will be a good idea?
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Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, that was a good system. I would not change that. Most people who eliminate computer controls install that exact system in the engines. Reliable and simple.

Roy
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Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 2:15 PM

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