Engine wont start.
 

The engine in my Mariah has never failed to start before, I previously had problems with it running rough when hot, but this turned out to be a coil and has been great since I replaced it.

My last outing last year was longer than most and went without a hitch. About 2 months after it was last used, I decided to winterise it, but it wouldnt start. The starter motor carnked the engine, but it just wouldnt start. Eventully the starter motor failed so I poured my antifreeze mix in the the engine by removing the top hoses and squirted some fogging oil in each cylinder through the spark plug holes.

Today, I put a new starter motor in and a new battery and new plugs, but still exactly the same. It cranks and occasionally it fires but wont run. I havent checked for a spark yet but will try that 1st thing in the morning.

With the earmuffs on, there is no water in the oil or cylinders.

I just wondered if anyone has any other ideas?:confused:

It is a 5.7l V8 350 Magnum with carbourettor - approx. 1996.

Thanks all. Grommett.

Re: Engine wont start.
 

Sounds like it might be a fuel issue. Try firing it on brake cleaner. If she runs , more than likely fuel pump gave up the ghost.
Spark - Fuel - Air. The three things you got to have for a motor to run. :)
Check the fuel filter and make sure it is free flowing.
When is the last time it had a cap and rotor and plug wires?

Re: Engine wont start.
 

what kind of carb is on it? the needle and seat could be gummed up. Colorado is right, either dump a small amt of gasoline or a little spritz of ether in the carb and see if she sputters. is it 2 or 4 barrel?

Re: Engine wont start.
 

Well I got it started but not sure how. Removed HT lead from coil to check for spark - ok.
Took the flame arrester off again, made sure butterflies and choke could all move freely. Tried again and it started.

Thanks for the replies

Re: Engine wont start.
 

Ooooow! don't you just hate it when that happens!
I always feel happier if I've actually fixed something before it springs back into life!

So you've got good spark and now it runs. maybe the fuel line was air locked.
Did you pull the fuel filter off and have a look to see if it was full of fuel?

Re: Engine wont start.
 

Any further problems?

Re: Engine wont start.
 

No problems since. I gave the engine a service before winterising it complete with new distributer cap and leads just to be on the safe side.

Re: Engine wont start.
 

I'm a little late on the reply.
If this is the old points and condenser ignition and not electronic, I would check the point gap to make sure it is opening.
If you changed the rotor cap, I would also check the timing, changing the cap can sometimes the timing.
How did you get the starter off without pulling the engine??

Re: Engine wont start.
 

Worked out that the problem was a dodgy connection at the ignition alarm.

Re: Engine wont start.
 

Excellent!
Persistence is a virtue