Trouble starting 72. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BrianStep72 · 02-02-2003, 06:43 PM

Dear net friends,

I have been travelling a bunch for work and my truck has sat mostly idle for about 45 days. (occasionally starts but not too much). The last time I really drove her was to pickup the christmas tree, she ran rough, and died a couple of times. Now, she's been sitting around for a while -- now it won't start.

Here's what I've done.

1) I checked the fuel pressure and it's ok. the pump puts gas in a can.
2) I changed out the distributor to an HEI from Summit last year (and it ran great -- just background info)
3) I checked all 8 plugs and they look good
4) I've checked the vaccum for leaks -- can't be sure, but looks ok.
5) I've checked the plug wires and reseated each on the distributor.
6) I've given the battery a good charge (and found that the alt belt was loose --gave it a tight)
7) Checked the batt output -- 16V, nice..

I'm not sure, but I think I'm having some spark problems. Isn't that most often the case?? !!!

It spins and will catch, but only for a second, then it goes 'CHUG CHUG' and dies..

Then sometimes it spins FAST, but doesn't catch.

I'm hunting my Chiltons for diagnostic gudes, but I thought I'd post here in the odd chance that some of you Summitt HEI / Edlebrock Carb guys have seen this behavior before.

Oh well, I've off to my books, please advise me if you 'know' what is going on there....

oh yeah, last time it ran, it was missing occasionally, so whatever theory you might have by this point -- that info should solidify it. eh?

Oh yeah, by the way, I'm running some high mileage oil that I HATE and will be changing out soon, AND I think I might need a thermostat, but those don't relate to this problem....(i think not)

Thanks guys and gals for your thoughts!

I NEED MY TRUCK BACK!!!
Brian In Atlanta

mikep · 02-02-2003, 06:53 PM

Their caps are garbage. Check the inside of yours. You might find what I found
in mine when it started to run rough and make weird whistling noises. I thought
the transmission was going out.

my new 72 · 02-02-2003, 07:02 PM

Sound like timing to me. Maybe you got a little moisture in the cap and it caused some corrosion, and then when you drove it last, the dist cap got to hot and did what mikep's did.

BrianStep72 · 02-02-2003, 07:10 PM

Thanks guys! I did check the cap and it looked ok. There was a hole there (i think by design) but it wasn't all melted up like your was. I think that's ok.

I didn't know the Summitt caps were junk? Should I run out and put another one on?

How do I diagnose a bad HEI coil? (that can be dangerous, eh?)

mikep · 02-02-2003, 07:16 PM

Whats the voltage at the coil and what is your timing set at initial ?

There was a hole there but was there a little carbon thingy sticking a 1/4 inch through the hole?

lukecp · 02-02-2003, 07:21 PM

Check for spark. To do that, remove a plug wire, and stick the metal end of a screwdriver in it. Hold on the the insulated handle end of the screwdriver. Now, hold the shaft of the screwdriver about 1/8" away from the end of the sparkplug. Then have a friend crank the truck over. If your coil & module are both working good, a spark should jump from the screwdriver shaft to the plug. Be careful, a spark from HEI hurts, i know from experience

.

BrianStep72 · 02-02-2003, 07:42 PM

THANKS! I'll check the spark tommorrow and get back with you guys.. (If my truck was running, I'd pull it in the garage and try it tonight!!).

Thanks again for all the suggestions. It's GOTTA be a spark thing.

Brian

jay6891 · 02-02-2003, 08:06 PM

Hows the quality of the gas. Hows it smell. Have you tried putting any additives in it? Nexted door neighbor just had the same problem. Everyone guessing ignition problems, added some water remover and some freash gas. drained fuel line. Started right up.

robby · 02-02-2003, 10:23 PM

I agree with the gas question. Did you try ether? It is my best friend when trying to get stuff started. When you get it going put some Heet in it and fill it up, then drive it some. If you don't drive it make sure it stays full of gas. Good luck

BrianStep72 · 03-08-2003, 11:57 PM

Friends,

My brother-in-law (the NHRA crew chief) came by my house last week and visited me. While here he took a look at my rough starting truck (which I've totally torn apart and can't fix).

He played for 45 minutes and said "This is an ignition module problem"...

he told me to take the module out, take it to NAPA and get it tested.

SO, I did. Just a followup this is a Summit HEI system. I took it apart, and took it to my NAPA, they did test it and it was OK. They even tested it 3 times and it was ok. SO...

I think 'darn, this must be something else MAJOR' and I get frustrated and leave it alone.

Finally today, I decide to put the whole thing back together and just see what happens. I do, and I clean all the ignition parts up and put it back together.

Give it a little squirt of GAS and VIOLA!!!

IT RUNS! AND IT RUNS GOOD. IT IN FACT RUNS BETTER THAN IT HAS IN A LONG TIME..

So, this has GOT to be an ignition problem, or a gremlin who I stumbled over while cleaning the igntion system.

SO anway... It was all apparently igntion related. I just wanted to report back that my pickup is running again. In case somebody has a similair problem, i want them to find this on the 'search' button and try the same thing. I can't believe it, but just pulling out the module, off the cap, cleaning and putting everything back together and it is 2000% better.

AND I'm VERY VERY HAPPY.

Happy Truckin!

Brian LaRose

http://www.bowtieracing.org

Stout72 · 03-10-2003, 02:19 PM

Triumphing over a problem like this is a good feeling, isn't it? Welcome back to the world of the running.

72K10 · 03-10-2003, 04:39 PM

I hope your problem is resolved, but I'll bet you start getting the same symptoms sooner than you'd like.

I had a Summit HEI, and it gave me grief for the entire time I had it. I changed ignition modules and it would run. When I got tired of changing modules, I pulled it all apart and messed around with it. Stuck it back together and it ran great. For two weeks. Then same stuff started back up again.

So I yanked that piece of crap Summit HEI and threw it out the garage window and stabbed in a rebuilt Napa HEI. Not a problem since. I had problems with that HEI for over a year. One right after the other. Modules check out, did the ohm meter thing for all the other components, could not find anything wrong. But it sure as hell wouldn't produce spark for me regularly.

Chris

02-02-2003, 06:43 PM	#1
BrianStep72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 163	Trouble starting 72. Dear net friends, I have been travelling a bunch for work and my truck has sat mostly idle for about 45 days. (occasionally starts but not too much). The last time I really drove her was to pickup the christmas tree, she ran rough, and died a couple of times. Now, she's been sitting around for a while -- now it won't start. Here's what I've done. 1) I checked the fuel pressure and it's ok. the pump puts gas in a can. 2) I changed out the distributor to an HEI from Summit last year (and it ran great -- just background info) 3) I checked all 8 plugs and they look good 4) I've checked the vaccum for leaks -- can't be sure, but looks ok. 5) I've checked the plug wires and reseated each on the distributor. 6) I've given the battery a good charge (and found that the alt belt was loose --gave it a tight) 7) Checked the batt output -- 16V, nice.. I'm not sure, but I think I'm having some spark problems. Isn't that most often the case?? !!! It spins and will catch, but only for a second, then it goes 'CHUG CHUG' and dies.. Then sometimes it spins FAST, but doesn't catch. I'm hunting my Chiltons for diagnostic gudes, but I thought I'd post here in the odd chance that some of you Summitt HEI / Edlebrock Carb guys have seen this behavior before. Oh well, I've off to my books, please advise me if you 'know' what is going on there.... oh yeah, last time it ran, it was missing occasionally, so whatever theory you might have by this point -- that info should solidify it. eh? Oh yeah, by the way, I'm running some high mileage oil that I HATE and will be changing out soon, AND I think I might need a thermostat, but those don't relate to this problem....(i think not) Thanks guys and gals for your thoughts! I NEED MY TRUCK BACK!!! Brian In Atlanta __________________ 1941 Chevy Coupe Streetrod 1964 Chevy Nova SS 1964 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1972 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1987 Chevy IROC Z28 Camaro 1LE+TPI - racecar 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2013 Chevy Silverado Tow Rig -------------------------------------- http://www.bowtieracing.org

02-02-2003, 06:53 PM	#2
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Their caps are garbage. Check the inside of yours. You might find what I found in mine when it started to run rough and make weird whistling noises. I thought the transmission was going out. Attached Images __________________ No truck :-(

02-02-2003, 07:02 PM	#3
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	Sound like timing to me. Maybe you got a little moisture in the cap and it caused some corrosion, and then when you drove it last, the dist cap got to hot and did what mikep's did. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

02-02-2003, 07:10 PM	#4
BrianStep72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 163	Thanks guys! I did check the cap and it looked ok. There was a hole there (i think by design) but it wasn't all melted up like your was. I think that's ok. I didn't know the Summitt caps were junk? Should I run out and put another one on? How do I diagnose a bad HEI coil? (that can be dangerous, eh?) __________________ 1941 Chevy Coupe Streetrod 1964 Chevy Nova SS 1964 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1972 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1987 Chevy IROC Z28 Camaro 1LE+TPI - racecar 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2013 Chevy Silverado Tow Rig -------------------------------------- http://www.bowtieracing.org

02-02-2003, 07:16 PM	#5
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Whats the voltage at the coil and what is your timing set at initial ? There was a hole there but was there a little carbon thingy sticking a 1/4 inch through the hole? __________________ No truck :-(

02-02-2003, 07:21 PM	#6
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Check for spark. To do that, remove a plug wire, and stick the metal end of a screwdriver in it. Hold on the the insulated handle end of the screwdriver. Now, hold the shaft of the screwdriver about 1/8" away from the end of the sparkplug. Then have a friend crank the truck over. If your coil & module are both working good, a spark should jump from the screwdriver shaft to the plug. Be careful, a spark from HEI hurts, i know from experience . __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

02-02-2003, 07:42 PM	#7
BrianStep72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 163	THANKS! I'll check the spark tommorrow and get back with you guys.. (If my truck was running, I'd pull it in the garage and try it tonight!!). Thanks again for all the suggestions. It's GOTTA be a spark thing. Brian __________________ 1941 Chevy Coupe Streetrod 1964 Chevy Nova SS 1964 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1972 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1987 Chevy IROC Z28 Camaro 1LE+TPI - racecar 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2013 Chevy Silverado Tow Rig -------------------------------------- http://www.bowtieracing.org

02-02-2003, 08:06 PM	#8
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Hows the quality of the gas. Hows it smell. Have you tried putting any additives in it? Nexted door neighbor just had the same problem. Everyone guessing ignition problems, added some water remover and some freash gas. drained fuel line. Started right up. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

02-02-2003, 10:23 PM	#9
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	I agree with the gas question. Did you try ether? It is my best friend when trying to get stuff started. When you get it going put some Heet in it and fill it up, then drive it some. If you don't drive it make sure it stays full of gas. Good luck __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native)

03-08-2003, 11:57 PM	#10
BrianStep72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 163	RESOLVED!!! Friends, My brother-in-law (the NHRA crew chief) came by my house last week and visited me. While here he took a look at my rough starting truck (which I've totally torn apart and can't fix). He played for 45 minutes and said "This is an ignition module problem"... he told me to take the module out, take it to NAPA and get it tested. SO, I did. Just a followup this is a Summit HEI system. I took it apart, and took it to my NAPA, they did test it and it was OK. They even tested it 3 times and it was ok. SO... I think 'darn, this must be something else MAJOR' and I get frustrated and leave it alone. Finally today, I decide to put the whole thing back together and just see what happens. I do, and I clean all the ignition parts up and put it back together. Give it a little squirt of GAS and VIOLA!!! IT RUNS! AND IT RUNS GOOD. IT IN FACT RUNS BETTER THAN IT HAS IN A LONG TIME.. So, this has GOT to be an ignition problem, or a gremlin who I stumbled over while cleaning the igntion system. SO anway... It was all apparently igntion related. I just wanted to report back that my pickup is running again. In case somebody has a similair problem, i want them to find this on the 'search' button and try the same thing. I can't believe it, but just pulling out the module, off the cap, cleaning and putting everything back together and it is 2000% better. AND I'm VERY VERY HAPPY. Happy Truckin! Brian LaRose http://www.bowtieracing.org __________________ 1941 Chevy Coupe Streetrod 1964 Chevy Nova SS 1964 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1972 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1987 Chevy IROC Z28 Camaro 1LE+TPI - racecar 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2013 Chevy Silverado Tow Rig -------------------------------------- http://www.bowtieracing.org

03-10-2003, 02:19 PM	#11
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	Triumphing over a problem like this is a good feeling, isn't it? Welcome back to the world of the running. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

03-10-2003, 04:39 PM	#12
72K10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New York Posts: 288	I hope your problem is resolved, but I'll bet you start getting the same symptoms sooner than you'd like. I had a Summit HEI, and it gave me grief for the entire time I had it. I changed ignition modules and it would run. When I got tired of changing modules, I pulled it all apart and messed around with it. Stuck it back together and it ran great. For two weeks. Then same stuff started back up again. So I yanked that piece of crap Summit HEI and threw it out the garage window and stabbed in a rebuilt Napa HEI. Not a problem since. I had problems with that HEI for over a year. One right after the other. Modules check out, did the ohm meter thing for all the other components, could not find anything wrong. But it sure as hell wouldn't produce spark for me regularly. Chris __________________ RLTW 70C10 72K10 72K10 Cheyenne 72C10 Cheyenne Super Last edited by 72K10; 03-10-2003 at 06:22 PM.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.