Engine not starting?

Tiny
INTERNETMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 700 POSTS
Have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the plugs. You can take a spark plug wire loose, use known good spark plug or spark tester in the boot, ground metal part of plug/tester to metal part of engine. Engine cranking, watch for spark. If you have spark everywhere, you might try some starter fluid in the intake? Take air breather off, open the choke valve, spray a small amount of stater fluid in the carb. Stand back from the vehicle, have helper crank, see if it tries to start?

My info shows your computer controlled, check for any applicable trouble codes.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ANDY3LISA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1983 CHEVROLET VAN
I have a 1983 chevy van and every once in awhile it does not start. The key turns and lights come on but there is no sound at all. It just did this yesturday and I let it sit overnight and then it started?

Could it be the starter, starter solenoid, neutral safety switch? I am not sure where to start. It does not start in neutral. It has a 350 engine in it if that helps at all.

Thank you Andy
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAKOB8
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Had the same problem, a starter/solenoid change cured it. Small block chevy starters tend to be susceptible to heat, and have a notorious heat soak problem. In van engine compartments everything runs hotter than most other vehicles, so the starter problem is more frequent on a van. As your problem is only occasional, next time it does it.I would suggest banging on the starter (hopefully near or on the solenoid) with something and checking to see if it starts afterwards. If that has no effect. Sorry. But it may be time to get the voltmeter out.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS BARTLETT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1983 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My van lost power stalled and backfired and now wont start st all.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS BARTLETT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
One more thing. I removed the distributor cap and there were two pieces plugged in together one was a chip and the other was a condenser looking thing. The condenser looking thing where it plugged in to the chip was melted. Not sure if that helps.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Sounds like the pickup coil is bad as well as ignition module. Take module to auto parts and have checked.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS BARTLETT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I had the ignition module tested this morning it is good.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
I hope you replaced the part that was melted then check pick up coil for resistance should have 400-1500 ohms if higher ohms replace it any how. Then check coil for resistance as well both primary and secondary. It is all listed under our repair guide either electrical or engine performance.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS BARTLETT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay I will try that. Thankyou
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,244 POSTS
Also, while the distributor cap is off, turn the engine over to see if the distributor is going around. The timing chain may have let go.

Best, Ken
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM (Merged)

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