PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: 1977Bobcat on May 24, 2018, 02:03:38 PM
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Need help.
I bought a new carburetor for my 1977 2.3L Bobcat (runabout). I'm not a mechanic but followed the directions, and now the car won't start.
It was running before I switch the carburetor, however, the old one was missing the choke rod and the choke was fully open. It was hard to start. Especially when cold.
When I initially switched it, it fired up but then died shortly after. Hasn't started since. I tried to adjust the airscrew a half turn at a time, nothing. Tried different youtube videos to help but ran the battery out before figuring it out.
Here is where I am,
- I removed the carburetor and followed instructions again to a T. (with new gasket/fuel filter)
- I charged up two batteries, just incase.
- Put airscrew at 2.5 turns from closed.
- Purchased starting fluid.
Before I try again, are there any tips for a novice mechanic?
Thanks,
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Did you check to see if the carburetor float was allowing ftuel into the carburetor.
With the air cleaner off look into the carburetor and work the throttle linkage to open and close the throttle plates. When the throttle is opened if there is fuel in he carburetor, you should see the accelerator pump squirt fuel into the carburetor. If no fuel.squirts in then the float may not be allowing fuel into the carburetor bowl.
If no fuel.squirts in, try tapping on the carburetor bowl near the fuel inlet with the handle of a screwdriver. If the float is stuck, this may fix it.
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Did you get the carb working?
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You can test the ignition by pulling a spark plug, reconnecting the cable and crank the engine to see if you are getting spark. This is best done when dark and keep the plug away from any *fuel source.
If you have spark, pouring about half a shot glass of fuel down the carburetor and try starting the engine. Stay clear of the carburetor in case of a backfire. IF..., the engine starts momentarily then there is a fuel problem.
I myself have made the mistake of putting a wad of paper towel in the gas line (to keep dirt out) and then forgot, reassembled and wondered why I has no fuel. Is that a possibility? Basically you need fuel and spark. You are either not getting one, or both.
* I once had the spark plugs out and just let the wires dangle (on a V-8 engine) to test compression. I cranked the engine not aware that the float was hung open and fuel was pouring into the cylinders. This pumped out out the plug holes, encountered the dangling and sparking plug wire and started a fire. A considerable amount of fuel had built up in the crankcase and within about 3 seconds the flames ignited the vapors. Because they were contained within the engine they went off with an explosive force. I had previously removed the valve covers but now had them resting in position - unbolted. The covers went slamming into the bottom side of the hood and completely startled me since I had at the time been leaning over the engine trying to put the flames out with a rag. SO, BE CAREFUL!!! And do at your own risk.