Will not start

B.DOUGY

MEMBER
1977 CHEVROLET 3500
6.6L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
1,500,000 MILES

This is a 1977 Chevrolet Fliteway RV that I am interested in purchasing and the current owner told me that it ran fine 2 years ago when he parked it next to his garage and apparently now it will not turn over. He said that the only thing he has tried to do is spray starting fluid into the carburetor and that it did not work. I am about to venture out to where this vehicle is parked tomorrow and want to be prepared as to what I can do to troubleshoot this thing and get this baby fired up, so I can drive away with it. I'm bringing a jump box, cables, five gallons of fresh gasoline, starting spray and possibly spark plugs with me and could use any advice on what I may be up against or what I can do if faced with certain scenarios. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that when a vehicle sits for an extended period of time, there could be any number of issues that can keep it from starting. Besides that, there could be other concerns with hoses and other components that could be dry rotted and could create a problem.

As for the no start issue, generally speaking an engine will need fuel, spark and compression to start.
So, if they were unable to start it with starting fluid, it might not be getting any spark. Which could be for having fouled out plugs. It can also be due to the coil pack or even the distributor. Could have corrosion inside the cap or the rotor which will prevent the spark plugs from getting any spark.

And let's say you are able to start it with starting fluid, but it stalls soon afterwards, that could mean a bad fuel pump.

Keep in mind that even if you are able to start it, take extra time to inspect all the hoses and any other components that might get corroded or brittle.

Many cases you will see dried out fuel hoses and any number of leaks.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you.

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