please help, my friends car is having a hard time starting
Apr 2, 2006 at 5:30 AM
1965 Buick LeSabre Cranks But Won't Start
1965 GMC
DANNI
- MEMBER
- 2 POSTS
Advertisement
Explain won't start. Engine turns over? Provide mileage and engine type? Let me know
Apr 2, 2006 at 6:51 AM
Yes it turn over but want start.
It not my car I'm asking for a friend.
can you still help me?
It not my car I'm asking for a friend.
can you still help me?
Apr 2, 2006 at 7:16 AM
The 65 Buick LaSabre has 5 engine choices all big V-8's and is a little smaller than a tank. You must know the engine type to buy parts. If it has a big 4 barrel carburtor the engine is either a 401 or 425 cubic inchs. If the car has a 2 barrel (small) carburator it is a 300 cubic inch V-8
All cars regardless of age must have three components for the engine to run.
The engine must have compression and in correct timing.
There must be fuel available at the intake manifold
There must be spark at the spark plugs to fire the fuel at the precise time the cylinder is in firing position.
The Buick in question is old simple techmology with a mechanical fuel pump mounted on the engine, a carburator to automize the fuel and provide it to the cylinders. An old point style distributer to provide spark to the spark plugs so the engine will run.
The first thing to check is fuel. Take off the air cleaner and operate the throttle while looking in the throat of the carburator. You should see a fine mist of gasoline squirt into the engine. If there is no fuel then the problem is in the fuel delivery which includes a fuel pump, gas tank and fuel lines.
If you have fuel go to the next step which is spark. Take a wire from spark plug. Put an insulated screwdrive in the wire end and hold it against metal. Have someone turn the engine over. If there is no spark, the problem is usually points and condenser which are located in the distributer.
If you have spark and fuel then the problem lies with the engine. It may have a defective timing gear and chain causing the timing to be off cycle.
If you can get it runing what you need is a mechanic with gray hair as I have that knows how to do an old fashioned tune up to includes, plugs, points, condenser, distributer cap and rotor and plug wires. At the time he should do a compression check to determine engine condition. This should cost about $150.00.
There are so many variables with a 41 year old car. It may have a rusty gas line that won't allow fuel flow or a bad fuel pump. The points may be bad or a cracked distributer cap, shorted rotor or bad coil wire.
Do as I asked and check for fuel and spark. Let me know when you have checked those two and I'll see if i can help further.
All cars regardless of age must have three components for the engine to run.
The engine must have compression and in correct timing.
There must be fuel available at the intake manifold
There must be spark at the spark plugs to fire the fuel at the precise time the cylinder is in firing position.
The Buick in question is old simple techmology with a mechanical fuel pump mounted on the engine, a carburator to automize the fuel and provide it to the cylinders. An old point style distributer to provide spark to the spark plugs so the engine will run.
The first thing to check is fuel. Take off the air cleaner and operate the throttle while looking in the throat of the carburator. You should see a fine mist of gasoline squirt into the engine. If there is no fuel then the problem is in the fuel delivery which includes a fuel pump, gas tank and fuel lines.
If you have fuel go to the next step which is spark. Take a wire from spark plug. Put an insulated screwdrive in the wire end and hold it against metal. Have someone turn the engine over. If there is no spark, the problem is usually points and condenser which are located in the distributer.
If you have spark and fuel then the problem lies with the engine. It may have a defective timing gear and chain causing the timing to be off cycle.
If you can get it runing what you need is a mechanic with gray hair as I have that knows how to do an old fashioned tune up to includes, plugs, points, condenser, distributer cap and rotor and plug wires. At the time he should do a compression check to determine engine condition. This should cost about $150.00.
There are so many variables with a 41 year old car. It may have a rusty gas line that won't allow fuel flow or a bad fuel pump. The points may be bad or a cracked distributer cap, shorted rotor or bad coil wire.
Do as I asked and check for fuel and spark. Let me know when you have checked those two and I'll see if i can help further.
Apr 2, 2006 at 10:36 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement
parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Suggested Repair
Confirm fuel and spark before replacing parts. With the air cleaner off, operate the throttle and look for a fine fuel spray in the carburetor throat; if none, check the mechanical fuel pump, tank, and lines. If fuel is present, test for spark at a plug wire while cranking; no spark usually points to the points, condenser, distributor cap, rotor, or coil wire. If both fuel and spark are present, suspect timing (timing gear/chain) or low compression, and have a mechanic perform an old-style tune-up and compression test.
Conversation Summary
A user asked about a friend's 1965 Buick LeSabre that cranks but will not start. The expert explained that the engine needs compression and correct timing, fuel at the intake, and spark at the plugs, then advised checking for fuel spray in the carburetor and spark at a plug wire. Further possibilities include a bad fuel pump or lines, worn points or distributor parts, or a timing chain problem, followed by a traditional tune-up and compression check.