Starting Problem

[RedWolf]

I have an issue with my car where it won't start - the battery is fine and the car is cranking but just won't start. Every once in a while, it revs high but goes dead again; for the most part it just cranks but doesn't start. I'm not mechanical at all and am trying to figure out what might be the cause. Any help is very much appreciated.

Also - does anyone know of a good mechanic in the DFW area, preferably close to Lewisvlle. I know of two Italian specialists in the area but they are often quite backlogged in work. Thanks.

[maytag]

is ther egas in the car?

seriously though, it's often said that if you have gas and you have spark, it's gonna run.

How patient are you? Because if you are not mechanical, you are in for a learning curve with this car, unless you'll have someone else work on it for you. If you're committed and can enjoy the work, there are folks here who can help you figure it out.

Tell us how mch you DO know? If we point you to the carb, can you find that? how about the distributor?

[So Cal Mark]

it would be helpful to know what year car we're dealing with

[RedWolf]

The car is a '77 - can find the carb, distributor; just don't know how to troubleshoot the issue; any help is much appreciated.

[maytag]

ok. first thing you need to do is check that you're getting fresh gas to the motor. I say fresh, 'cuz if you're trying to start this with gas that's been in the tank for years, you're not doing yourself any favors.

When you depress the gas pedal fully, you should see a small squirt of gas into the carb. and you should definitely SMELL gas.

Check that. if it still doesn't start, get back to us, and we'll check for spark.