1973 bus won't start

Tcash · Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

bsavitch · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 7:44 am Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

I read the above link on timing and made sure everything was set accordingly. Set static timing as a baseline to 7.5 degrees BTDC. I drained the fuel tank and put in fresh gas. I pulled the carburetor and disassembled and cleaned it and reinstalled. Still no luck.

Any other ideas?

CarlosZ · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 8:02 am Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

Is it even trying to turn over? Maybe the spark plug wires are mixed up or you forgot to connect a wire. My bus wouldn't run once because a wire disconnected from the coil. Should be something small if it was previous running and you didn't mess with the distributor drive gear.

I'd try some starter fluid, but not sure if others would recommend. Maybe there's someone close to you that can take a look? Good luck!

bsavitch · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 10:16 am Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

It sort of makes a glug sound every so often when I'm trying to start it. I would love for the problem to be a wire going to wrong location. I went out to double-check and as far as I can tell, it's right. All the wires are seated on the plugs and I pulled the distributor cap to be sure wire 1 is connected to the terminal on the cap where the notch is in the distributor. I hooked up the remaining wires based on a clockwise rotation and firing order of 4-3-2-1. I also checked the cylinder stamp on the tins to be sure I was definitely connecting to correct plug.

As I mentioned before, I have confirmed I am getting a spark. Should I go the starter fluid route at this point or is there something else worth trying?

Thanks again,
Brian

alman72 · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 10:53 am Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

did you ever dribble some gas into the carb? result?

bsavitch · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 1:02 pm Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

Yes - I did dribble gas in the carb an no luck.

Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50352

bsavitch · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 9:28 am Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

I don't think I clearly stated what I meant. I'm using the notch in the pulley and the timing scale for TDC. I only used the notch on the distributor to figure out where to connect the spark plug wire for cylinder 1. Then, working clockwise, I connected the remaining wires 4-3-2.

Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50352

You still need to check your valves to see whether you are at TDC compression for the #1 cylinder or for #3. You can not do this solely by looking at the pulley and/or the notch on the distributor. You must either check (and understand) what the valves are doing or do something like plug the spark plug hole with your finger while turning the engine over by hand to see when you have compression.

You could also just flip all your wires 180° on the cap and see what happens.

bsavitch · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:47 am Post subject: Re: 1973 bus won't start

Wildthings, I think I love you! That was indeed the problem. I'm all set now. Thanks everyone for all your help!


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