Starting Problems

[gbabcock]

Searched the treads and didn't come up with anything too promising, so I hope I'm not asking something that's been covered a lot.

Anyhow, parked my fairly stock '73 in the garage about 3 months ago - it had been running fine. Like an idiot, I was didn't disconnect the battery cables and the battery went dead. Went to get her running and charged up the battery plenty, but she just cranks; doesn't try to start at all. I'm thinking maybe the ignition coil is shot? Does anyone have any suggestions of what else I might consider, particularly things that would be a no-brainer? Thanks -

[FastWoman]

Ethanol gas is supposed to last longer than 3 mo, but I've seen it go bad faster than that. The problem is that 10% is often added more than once. Sometimes it's closer to 30%.

[gbabcock]

Don't think it's gas - tried adding a bit already.

[beandip]

Searched the treads and didn't come up with anything too promising, so I hope I'm not asking something that's been covered a lot.

Anyhow, parked my fairly stock '73 in the garage about 3 months ago - it had been running fine. Like an idiot, I was didn't disconnect the battery cables and the battery went dead. Went to get her running and charged up the battery plenty, but she just cranks; doesn't try to start at all. I'm thinking maybe the ignition coil is shot? Does anyone have any suggestions of what else I might consider, particularly things that would be a no-brainer? Thanks -

I don't know why you came to the conclusion the coil is bad, since you stated that you were driving the car when you parked it. For starters check if you are getting any spark at the plugs. If you have spark there then look to fuel. Disconnect one of the rubber supply lines going to a Carburetor and since you have a '73 you have a electric fuel pump, or should. Just put the end of the hose into a container and turn on the key to the ON position for a count of 3 or 4. Then check to see if you have gas in the container.

If not then either the pump is no longer working or missing or the small in line filter is plugged. The filter I am speaking of, is back next to the gas tank and between it and the fuel pump there.

You may still have the flat top carburetors being the Z is a '73. I doubt that this is your problem here, but be thinking of replacing them with a set of pre73 S Us in the near future .

So check for spark first, no spark at the plugs then find out why not. If no gas flow, then there is your problem, do change the two filters though in any case. They are cheep and replacing them is a routine maintenance thing anyway.

SPARK if none , first thing then check inside the distributer . Remove the cap and check the points to see if they are burned and or badly pitted. If your Z is a automatic you have two sets of points in there. Check them both. Do what I have suggested and if you cannot figure out why the engine wont run . Send me a PM and I will help you further.

Gary

[beandip]

Another thought, buy a can of starter fluid and spray some into the intake of the air filter. Give it a 5 count shot, and try to start the engine. If it shows any signs of life then look to the fuel system. I don't recommend spraying it directly into the carbs, just into the air box intake.

Gary

[MK1888]

Neil, what color is your blue Z? Is that factory? I like that a lot.

[EScanlon]

Are you using the choke? Silly question, I know, but you'd be surprised...

As Gary mentions, don't assume that something has *automatically* gone bad and start "fixing" or "repairing" stuff that isn't broken. That way lies madness and usually ends up with you getting frustrated and tossing large amounts of money into something very simple.

FWIW

E

[Lazeum]

I would also check the condition of the spark plugs. Mine were fouled at some point, I've changed them, the car started right on.

[Gary in NJ]

This is starting to sound like 20 questions...

Did you disconnect (intentionally or unintentionally) any of the connections at the coil when you were under the hood connecting the battery cables?

Next.

[gbabcock]

First off, thanks for all the replies. The color isn't stock - it's 'electric blue' - I like it quite a bit. Also, I've already swapped out the 73 flat tops for and earlier set of 72s - world of difference. And, I have been choking it :stupid: I'll check the above mentioned suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes. Best -

[gbabcock]

Okay - checked for spark and there's nothing. Changed cap and rotor, still nothing. What next? Wires? (also did plugs while I was at it).

[MK1888]

Do you have a multimeter? Measure primary and secondary resistance of the coil. I'm not sure what the spec is for your coil, but maybe someone will chime in.

Disconnect the coil and measure:

Primary - between the two side terminals (one is labelled + and one is -)

Secondary - between the center tower and one of the side terminals

Primary should be almost zero, secondary should be several thousand ohms.

Mike