1976 Chevy Malibu won't start

Tiny
101248
  • MEMBER
  • 1976 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Engine Performance problem
1976 Chevy Malibu V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

My car is a 1939 Plymouth on a 1976 Malibu frame with a SBC 400. It had a turbo 530 tranny. The car starts right up when it is cold and runs great. Once the engine is warmed up to about 180 degrees and you shut the engine off, it will not start up again. It cranks and cranks but won't start. It is equiped with an Acell HIE distributor.
I pulled the distributor and changed the module but it still does it. It is getting spark but still won't start. The next morning it fires right up!

I need some advice as to what to fix mext.

John
Saturday, April 11th, 2009 AT 3:52 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
LOWCOST67
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
The first thing I would check is if it is still getting fuel. Sometimes the carb will leak fuel into the engine when you shut it off and flood it. Try looking in the carb after it has warmed up open the throttle all the way and see if gas is dripping in the motor. To much heat will cause gas to boil out of the carb. You can install a nonmetal spacer to dissapate the heat. Or hold your foot to the floor when you start it. Good luck hope this helps.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2009 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
101248
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Thanks Lowcost 67,

I checked the fuel and it's getting gas to the carb. I checked to see if it is leaking down into the carb but it is not. It does this non starting thing everytime and if you let it sit till it cools off, it fires right up. My question is, do I pour gas directly on each part of the car when I set it on fire!

John
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Monday, April 13th, 2009 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
LOWCOST67
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I have another question. Check the power wire going to the distributor is it hot all the time a full 12volts even durning cranking?
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Monday, April 13th, 2009 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
101248
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I replaced the ignition wire the first time this happened. I also checked to make sure there was spark at the plugs by grounding a spark plug wire. It's morning so I can go out to the garage and start that baby up presto but five minutes later after it warms up, it won't start for the rest of the day. I really don't think it's in the ignition as it runs strong when it is running. Not a miss or anything.
I am going to replace the starter as it is rather loud and I believe it needs to be shimmed when I put in a new one. The existing one looks new though.
I acquired this car through a trade and I don't really know the history of it's build. I know these starters get hot right against the headers and it does sound strange trying to start, it's loud when the engine is cold and whinny and maybe a little slow when the engine is warmed up. The battery is new and it has plenty of power. I'll keep trying to fix this baby because it's a looker and worth saving but I must admit my patience is wearing!
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 AT 6:51 AM
Tiny
LOWCOST67
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  • 35 POSTS
If the timing is correct and getting spark durning cranking. I think it is a fuel problem then. Pour a little gas in the carb when warm if it runs its a fuel problem. You need to shim the starter before it makes the starter go bad. I could figure it out if I was there. Dont know where to point you to now. Good luck. (Maybe replace carb?)
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
Check the fuel line to see if it is close to a heat sorce example the ehxaust. The vehicle may be getting vapor locked if the fiuel line is near heat. With the heat it will cause the fuel to bubble and will cause the vehicle to be vapor locked.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 AT 9:36 AM

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