1974 Chevy Truck Not starting

1974 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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FURYDOG70
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Engine Mechanical problem
1974 Chevy Truck V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I was driving down the highway and my truck started stutterring then just stopped running. Now, when I try to start the truck it will not fire it just turns like it wants to start but never fires. I checked the battery and it seem to be fine so I am lost, not sure what to do. Please advise?
Dec 21, 2008 at 12:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Did you check for spark and fuel? Are you getting fuel to the carb and spark to the plugs? Also, does the truck have an electronic ignition or points and condenser? (sorry, I can't remember what exact year they changed to HEI.

Let me know.

Joe
Dec 26, 2008 at 12:43 AM
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FURYDOG70
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Joe,
Thank you, I believe it does have points. I also do not smell fuel in the carb, so I don't think it's getting any. Not sure if there is a spark, how would I check for that?
Dec 26, 2008 at 4:07 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Ok... there are two things I need you to do before we move on. First, remove the air filter so you can see down the throat of the carb. Fully open the throttle quickly. If there is gas in it, you will see a fine spray of gas come from the side of the throat. That is gas from the accelerator pump which allows quick acceleration. If there is no gas, open the throttle and give it a couple quick shots of starting fluid. Stand away from the carb and see if it will start. If it does, you have spark. If no start, remove one of the spark plugs from the engine and place it bac into the plug wire. Lay the steel part of the plug agains something steel on the engine (exhaust manifold, intake...) anywhere you can get a ground. Have someone crank the engine while you watch the end of the plug. You should see a spark. If there is no spark, let me know and we'll move to the points and condenser.

NOTE: IF THE FUEL PUMP IS THE PROBLEM, BE HAPPY. A NEW ONE WILL COST YOU LESS THAN 20 BUCKS AND TWO BOLTS TO REMOVE IT. A NEWER TRUCK WOULD BE AROUND 200 BUCKS FOR THE PART AND REMOVAL OF THE FUEL TANK. ALSO, POINTS AND CONDENSER AROUND 15 BUCK AND SOME PATIENCES.

Let me know what you find and we'll move on. These are my favorite to work with. I wish I could find one with points and carb. They are much cheaper and easier to work with.

Joe
Dec 26, 2008 at 6:49 PM
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