0
I am brand new to the community and the proud owner of a "Rip Van Winkle" '74 Mark IV (all black) with 74k. I say that because it sat, upon the original owner's death, without being started for 12 years. I have changed the oil twice, put in new spark plugs, plug wires and distributor, replaced virtually the entire braking system, new muffler, and just replaced all the belts. I had a mechanic do everything else but I replaced the belts which I think has nothing to do with my problem but I mention it because it started before I went to work and now it doesn't.
Here's what I know: I drove it about 350 miles from where I bought it and had most of the work described above done, and it ran basically fine for a couple of weeks. An occasional miss, and it would leave a little soot from the exhaust when it sat for a few days. But basically ran fine. The alternator belt came off a couple of days ago, and so I drove it home with the belt off, it started fine the next day, then I replaced the belts, and now it will not start. It sounds like it is turning over great but no "catch". I did hear the slightest putter from the exhaust last night when I tried cranking it (again). I trickle charged the battery (new gold battery from Advance), I took the battery to Advance for an "industrial" charge, I tried jumping it with a Dodge with a 318 V8 in it, I sprayed carb cleaner on the carb. I think it has about 1/3 tank of gas but I added a few gallons in case stirring things up in the tank might help (it didn't). I notice the headlight covers do not want to go back down which they always have, and at times during this process they (headlights) have not come on without a charger attached.
Any thoughts would be appreciated; family members have suggested bad coil? I will gladly provide any info. which might help with a diagnosis. Thanks! PS - I just recalled that I had a new fuel pump and thermostat installed as well.
Edited by ehm, 31 January 2012 - 07:57 PM.
