Re: Car won't start!

Posted by H. L. Chauvin on Oct. 22, 1998 at 21:18:32

In Reply to: Car won't start!
posted by Tom Miller on Oct. 22, 1998 at 20:40:56

: My sedan has run fine until last couple of times, losing power up hills -- checked the plugs -- 3 real dirty, 1 coated with 1/16th" caked on crud -- cleaned them good -- sanded lightly the points -- tried to start it -- will not fire -- problem #2? All lights quit working -- can hear switch clicking when I turn it to the off position -- nothing is happening. Tom
Hi Tom,
No fire, no lights? Cranking by hand or with starter? Initial suspect is electrical problems with possible battery or battery charging problems.
Always good to have a battery hydrometer to check all battery cells and acid condition. Maybe first try checking battery, battery posts and battery ground. Maybe re-charge battery or get new one if old one is bad. Also, check generator charging rate. Lights, may have weak battery or steering lubricant shorting out light switch.
Weak battery with malfunctioning generator produces weak, insufficient fire at plugs -- weak ignition can foul plugs, lack of power. Please let us know what you find after these first checks.
H. L. Chauvin

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