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Cranks not starting

Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 1977 DODGE 440
  • 88 MILES
I turn the ignition and it cranks but it doesn't start. It sounds like it wants to but it won't. It was running just fine two days ago and the carburetor flap keeps getting stuck. Also, the vehicle listed above is a motorhome.
Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 1:40 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

If the choke plate is stuck closed, it will flood the engine on cold starts.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

You need to take a screw driver and open it a little bit for air to get into the intake so it will start. If that does get it started, you will need to have the flap fixed so it does not stick.

Can you post a picture of the carburetor with the air filter off?

Roy
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 4:37 AM
Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
This is one picture you wanted to see.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I am sending another.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
REGINAB38
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  • 9 POSTS
This was to Roy.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Okay, also if that does get it started by taking a screw driver and opening the flap what do I need to do to fix the flap? Also if that doesn't get it started what could be another problem it won't start?
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Thank you. That is the old thermoquad. That does not have a good history.

You need to free up the choke plate and make it move freely or you will need to replace the carburetor. I doubt anyone around will rebuild it for you. You would need an old timer like myself to do that and we are all slowly retiring leaving no one to fix these.

I attached a rebuilt one from rock auto for you to view.

Roy
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
How do you know if you have to replace the whole carburetor already what will be the signs of that?
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The flap is the issue you described.

You need to have someone look at this and see if they can fix it for you.

If they cannot then the option is to replace the carb assembly. That is the last resort if the choke plate cannot be freed up.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 2:08 AM
Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
You said to take a screwdriver and open the flap. How do I do that? Where do I unscrew?
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
REGINAB38
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Also where is the choke plate at?
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
REGINAB38
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  • 9 POSTS
Here is a video.
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You do not unscrew anything. You open the choke plate and use the screw driver to hold the plate open while you crank it.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 11:13 AM

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