Bad_Luck_Chuck

New guy here and as the user name implies I have bad luck when it comes to working on cars. Here is my issue that I hope one or more of you can help me figure out. The other day the car overheated on me and I diagnosed that as a cracked heater hose. Easy fix right? Got a new hose and the only way to get the old one off was to remove the distributor. Got the hose swapped out, re-filled the coolant, put the dizzy back on and the car turns over but wouldn't start. Pulled the dizzy back off and turned the end 180 degrees, re-installed, and the car fired right up and purred like a kitten. I jump in to take a test drive to make sure all is well and the car has absolutely no power...very sluggish. I'm thinking great, my timing is probably off pretty good so I'll track down a timing light and check it in a few days. So the car sits about 3 days and I jump back in to make sure it still starts and nothing happens. When I turn the key the dash lights, radio, etc. work as normal so I don't suspect a battery problem, but the engine bay is silent...no clicks or nothing. I haven't had time to fool with it since but plan on digging into it this afternoon. How do I even begin to diagnose what my problem or problems may be?

Former User

Have the battery tested.

Bad_Luck_Chuck

There were no indications that the problem had anything to do with the battery but I will test it first thing when I get home. Any other suggestions?

Former User

The starter motor requires much more battery power than do the dash lights and radio.

Bad_Luck_Chuck

You don't know how much I hope you're right!

Why do you think the car had no power before the no start issue? Is my assumption about the timing being off probably right?

Former User

That's where I would start.

ev94eg

when you put the distributor on and said it was sluggish maybe you need to turn the distributor forwards a little bit my b7 did the same thing push the gas and it would hardly move i adjusted it and there is no hesitation what so ever

Bad_Luck_Chuck

Thanks, I'll try that when I get it started again.

Would it do me any good to pull the distributor back off and set the no. 1 piston to TDC before I put it back on? If so, what is the easiest way to do this?

Bad_Luck_Chuck

Battery measured 12.9 volts.

Former User

Do the starter motor and solenoid wires have battery voltage when the key is in ON(III) and the clutch pedal is down?

Is the transmission ground wire clean and tight?

Bad_Luck_Chuck

I have to find my meter and try to get my wife to assist me tomorrow if possible. I also have to figure out where those are located and how to check them. I have to admit I've never had to troubleshoot electrical problems before and I appreciate your help so far.

redm3turbo

Clean the battery terminals first.
I had a problem similar to this a few weeks back. *3 week old battery* put in by a young kid at sears - on a buddys car.
Dash lights all would work- nothing else- no start/no crank.

Figured it had to be the battery- I used my booster box to get him up and run. Tried to jump the car- still nothing would happen. Tested the battery- got all good readings.

Pulled off the positive terminal.....cleaned it up----- fired right up. Dunno why the kid installing the battery didnt clean it, but that was the issue.

Dont rule out the battery just yet....clean up your terminals/grounds.....then move on if that doesnt do it

Gustav129

First, when you test a battery, you test CCA, not Voltage. It needs Amps to turn the starter and lots of them. Just because a battery shows 12.9 volts doesn't mean it's good.

Then like everybody else said, check connections, then check timing.

Bad_Luck_Chuck

Ok, you all have convinced me to get the battery tested further. I'll pull it out this afternoon and take it to get it tested.

Bad_Luck_Chuck

Going to get the battery tested today but from another thread on here I should probably look at my clutch switches if it tests good. I never really thought about how many different things have to take place for a car to start!

Gustav129

Yeah, that would be a good place to check too. You did'nt mention a manual trans, so I didn't think of the Neutral safety switch.

Bad_Luck_Chuck

Next time I will mention that it is a manual trans because that was my problem!!! It was a major pain in the rear but I managed to glue a penny in there.

My timing is still off so that is my next issue. Should I be able to see the timing marks on the crank pulley with the belt still on or does the belt have to come off?

Former User

yes

Bad_Luck_Chuck

Ok so I now know where the timing marks should be but I haven't been able to actually see them. I'm hoping they will show up with the timing light but I won't be too surprised if they don't. If they don't, does anybody have suggestions on how I should proceed?

A Big THANK YOU again to everyone's help so far!