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Topic: 81 cranks but won't turn over (won't start) *update*

in Forum: C3 Engines


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81 cranks but won't turn over (won't start) *update* (1/5)
 6/28/20 5:40pm
Skol!
Former Member

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Ashburn, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1981 T-Top and 2013 Grand Sport M6


Joined: 6/27/2020
Posts: 3

My grandpa has an 81 Corvette that we're trying to get back in good shape that's eventually giving to me.  He's had it sitting for awhile, so much so it's got less than 30k miles on it and he's the only owner.  We went to start it the other day but couldn't get it to do anything other than Crank but not turn over.  There's fuel going into the Carburetor but that's about all the troubleshooting I had time for the other day.  We're staying the next few days with my grandparents so him and I can try to get it running again.  I've seen another thread with some troubleshooting on the distributor so that's something we'll try to do tomorrow.   Other things I've noticed are that the Choke light is on and the fuel gauge arrow is way passed Full.  I'm new to this whole carburetor stuff so I'm open to any ideas.  I have a 2013 Grand Sport that I can work on just fine, but obviously a carburetor car isn't something I can just hook a computer up to and work on. lol  Any help is greatly appreciated.






|UPDATED|6/28/2020 2:40:39 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Re: 81 cranks but won't turn over (2/5)
 6/27/20 10:17pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

Cranks and turn over are the same thing.  Do you mean it cranks but doesn't start?

If you spray carb cleaner in the carb does it fire off?  Do your get spark at the spark plug?

Can you see into the gas tank and see any gas?  A lot of gas gauges would show a little past full when the tank is completely full.



|UPDATED|6/27/2020 7:17:17 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: 81 cranks but won't turn over (won't start) (3/5)
 6/28/20 12:49am
Skol!
Former Member

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Ashburn, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1981 T-Top and 2013 Grand Sport M6


Joined: 6/27/2020
Posts: 3

I mean it won't start.   He picked up some carburetor cleaner and starter fluid to try.   We're gonna check for spark with a tester he has.   As for the gas,  the tank has gas in it and the carburetor has fuel flowing into it when trying to start it.   The gas gauge itself has the needle pegged way past the Full mark which I read could be a short to the gauge.   



|UPDATED|6/27/2020 9:49:56 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: 81 cranks but won't turn over (won't start) *update* (4/5)
 6/28/20 6:45pm
Skol!
Former Member

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Ashburn, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1981 T-Top and 2013 Grand Sport M6


Joined: 6/27/2020
Posts: 3

We got it to start after adding some Lucas Fuel Treatment.  It runs now but idle is a little rough so we're working through that.  It's still old gas that's in the tank so not sure if that's what's causing the idle issue.  The idle solenoid wire has no power to it, not sure why that's happening, but it works using a jumper from another 12v feed.  We're gonna change the oil tomorrow along with the spark plugs after we let it run for awhile with the Lucas treatment that was put in both the gas tank and the oil.  Anyone have an idea about the idle solenoid not getting any power?  We got it to idle after adjusting the screw on the carburetor, so it idles high for now while we try to work through the old gas getting run out of it.  Initially when it was starting up there was some white smoke coming out of the exhaust, but after running for a while with the fuel treatment it cleared up and runs better. 

Re: 81 cranks but won't turn over (won't start) *update* (5/5)
 6/29/20 1:19pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

I don't use my idle solenoid wire for that anymore, I now use it for an electric choke.  But if I accidentally short that wire and blow the fuse, it also takes out my radio.  Check for a blown fuse.

I use my idle solenoid to raise my idle speed when my a/c compressor is on.  Then again, my idle solenoid was an anti-dieseling solenoid.

You could siphon most of that bad gas out of the tank and put in fresh stuff.



|UPDATED|6/29/2020 10:19:33 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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