73 Dodge dart 4 door 318 V8 with an edelbrock intake manifold and 4 barrel carb. Was running fine and then occasionally started having hard start issues where it would crank and not fire. Then I would let it sit for a few hours and it would start up as if nothing happened. Started having this problem more frequently and finally just quit altogether and wont start. Even starting fluid down the carb wont do anything doesn't even act like it wants to fire. Replaced ballast resistor and ignition control module and still nothing. Pulled a plug and cranked it and it gets spark and there's definitely fuel in there. Oddly when you crank it and it spins up if you let off on the ignition it makes a a small pop out the exhaust as the engine revolutions wind down but that's it (seems like it wants to fire at that exact rev on one cylinder at least). No other indications that it wants to run. Any ideas? I was possibly thinking electronic spark advance on the distributor might be stuck, or perhaps a timing issue/cap or rotor? What do ya'll think? I'm lost on this one.

 

HAve you dead timed the number 1 cylinder and then checked the relationship of the distributor rotor in relation to the Number 1 plug wire?

 

No I havn't yet looked at timing. Kinda wanted to put feelers out there first since timing is not my strongest ability and I want to try to cross off as many avenues before I start tackling that. Do you think this is a timing issue?

 

yeah, sounds like timing is slipping around.

 

I'm on board with timing. You have fuel and ignition. It sounds like compression is a wee bit off the top[ dead center.

 

Pull off the left bank valve cover. Turn the engine over by tapping the ignition or spinning by hand with plugs out until you see the intake valve open and close. Both intake and exhaust rocker arms should have some wiggle to them. Your timing mark on the pulley should be at top dead center. By doing this you'll know both intake and exhaust are closed and ready to fire at TDC. If not on TDC, you found a problem.

 

c -

Sure timing could be off, due to a slipping timing chain (stock gears have plastic teeth).
Since it's a 73, it should have an electronic ignition. Check and replace the ECU and go over ANY wires you can see.

Archer

 

Gotcha ok thanks everyone for your thoughts. I figured it might have something to do with timing. I am going to take a look at the vacuum spark advance on the side of the distributor and cap/rotor and ask a friend to help me re-time it if it needs it. I'll post back when I find the culprit.

 

Just a time saver. Spark advance isn't the devil here. There's no advance while cranking. Before firing the parts cannon at it, take diagnostic steps first. Good luck and if you need more pointers this is the place.

 

3 Things you need.... 1-Spark / 2- Air / 3-Fuel

Keep us posted....

 

Something I can’t find to make them run is a willingness to work on them…🙂

 

I dont recall what number / step that was?... lol