1976 caprice won't start

[rainbarl]

Got my dad's '76 caprice (47,000 miles). It won't start. Won"t fire. Tried distri. cap, plugs, gas filter, new gas tank HELPPPP

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by rainbarl

Got my dad's '76 caprice (47,000 miles). It won't start. Won"t fire. Tried distri. cap, plugs, gas filter, new gas tank HELPPPP

How does it sound when it's turning over? Normal, or wierd? Take the distributor cap off, and have someone crank the engine. Is the rotor turning? If not, be prepared to get greasy replacing the timing chain and sprockets.

Loosen the fuel line nut at the carb and have someone crank the engine for about 2 seconds. Have a fire extinguisher nearby. Does gasoline leak/spray out?

Turn the ignition to ON and check for the presence of 12.6 volts at the distributor power terminal (the one marked BAT - usually a heavy red or pink wire). The HEI system uses full battery voltage - it does not make use of a ballast resistor. Check that the 3-wire plug from the distributor is secure in the cap (behind the terminals marked BAT and TACH). Use a special spark plug gap tool (plugs into the wire in place of a spark plug) to check for spark. Don't use a screwdriver or leave the wire disconnected as this can cause coil failure. If you have no spark, but you have 12.6 volts to the BAT terminal on the distributor, then possible failure points are the module, the pickup/reluctor assembly and the coil.

Verify that all vacuum lines are hooked up and in good condition, with no cracks or other deterioration. Verify the routing against the schematic under the hood.