OK i just bought a 81 that needs a whole lot of work it needed a starter, and know all it dose is turn over won't start, but if i bump start it , it takes right off! Can someone please tell me what's wrong??

 

Welcome to the darkside first off. Next see torchoids signature for FSM's and carb manuals.

Now to get the right answers you need to ask the right questions with plenty of detail.

First question to you: Using starter fluid in initial start?
Second: Have you done a tune-up to the car since buying it?
Third: Are you trying to start it with the choke on or off?
Fourth: Do you know anything about carbs?
Fifth: Have you changed the fuel filter?
Sixth: How long did this car sit before you got it?
Seventh: Have you checked to see that oil pump and fuel pump are properly working?

 

1. NO
2.Yes
3.Both
4.Yes
5.Yes
6.5 years Off and On
7.Yes

 

when you say it wont start..it wont crank or will not run?

 

If the motor will fire by bump starting it then you have one of two things going on. Either the engine is not cranking fast enough or it has low compression.
You need to make sure all the connections are good from the battery cables. Meaning that the posts on the battery and the cable connections as well as the grounds need to be very clean.
Also the battery needs to be in tip top shape. If when you are cranking it is cranking slowly then address the issues above.

Also recommend that you perform a compression test to determine the extent of the motor. The procedure can be done by using the search function at the top of the page.

 

it will roll over just fine not sluggesh at all but won't start

 

Welcome to the forum and the Darkside.

If I understand your 1st post, it starts right up, with a brief turn of the key to start, but won't start with extended cranking, if this correct? Not sure why that woukld be a problem if it starts everytime. Providing more details will help.

In my sig line is a link to to the FSMs, carb manual etc. Download what you need and happy reading.

 

I think he means that he can push start the car and start it on compression, but not with the key.

 

it will onlystart if pushed will not self start just rolles over rep.

 

After you push start it, if you shut if off and then try to restart it immediately. Will it start?

 

Nope once it off it's off

 

Do a compression test. Sounds like you have very low compression.

 

ok guys work on it today it will start and run for about 6 sec and then stall, one of my coils was bad and put a new one on. i ordered some plugs and wires cap and roter are good any other suggestions?? thanks

 

As all have said ... check compression. I would toss some seafoam in there toclean things up. Rebuilding and cleaning the carburator is always a good things to do. Helps clean up any passages that might of been blocked.

 

Have you drained off the old gas and replaced it with new?

Also, I will second the Seafoam comment. Sticking apex seals can result in reduced compression since the carbon that builds up will keep them from moving properly. You can dump a few caps full of Seafoam into the small barrels on the carb, then try it again.

Be warned though, when it starts up after using this product there will be huge clouds of white smoke until it gets burned out of the system. Don't let this scare you (or your neighbors)...