QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have a 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Coupe PowerGlide. I am trying to start the engine after being dormant for 8 years and I can't get the engine to turn over. When all of the spark plugs are removed, the engine turns fine and freely...so it is not seized. When the plugs are installed and engine has compression, the starter won't turn the engine over. I have purchased a new started and installed it...but the same problem occured...when the engine experiences compression, the starter won't turn the engine over. I bench tested both starters and they work fine...so I am lost! Also, when I crank the engine with the plugs installed, the cables on the starter start to smoke after a few tries, so I am lost. Please any suggestions you can give are most appreciated.
Thank you,
Anthony
ANSWER: You didn't say if it will make even half a turn, because there is no compression at first and should turn just as with the plugs out until first piston rises.
Do you have water in the engine? (Radiator full, etc)
Have you checked the timing?
Have you pulled the valve cover and insured the valve operation?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Sorry, yes, it will turn until the first piston rises and builds compression, then it stops. The radiator is full and the timing I have checked and it is bank on and I have removed the valve cover and made sure the valves are operating...so I am really stuck...do you think it may be the starter?
AnswerCould very easily be the starter. Do you have a local shop that rebuilds them, instead of just an auto parts? They can check actual load capacity.
You seem fairly mechanical, do one other thing. Get a large socket and break-over bar for the Harmonic balancer bolt and try turning it yourself by hand and see if you believe the torque is excessive. That will give you the proper direction to head.
