How to Get Your Old Car Started

Have you ever wondered why your old car engine won't start? It only takes three things to make an engine run, those three things are air, fuel and spark. If you have these three things, you will get that old car started without a doubt.

To be correct, it also takes compression in the cylinders of the engine. It will not run on less then ninety pounds of pressure, you can test this with a cylinder pressure test gauge. If the car has been sitting for a while you should check these things.

First you should always check the radiator to see if it holds water, if not you might want to replace it. Then you should check out the engine oil to make sure that it has some. In any case you should always change the oil, and filter to make sure that you don't damage the engine.

Next I would remove all of the spark plugs, and spray some penetrating oil in the cylinders. You should let the car wait over night after you spray the cylinders with penetrating oil. After you come back, you should put a large breaker bar on the crank snout, and see if you can turn the engine.

After you know that the engine will turn, you should replace all of the fuel lines. But before you do that you should replace the fuel pump with a new one. Now drop the fuel tank, and have it cleaned by a radiator shop; then put it back in the car.

Do a complete tune up on the car; this means replace the distributor cap, rotor, and plugs. If the car has a points style ignition you will need to replace the condenser, and the points also. Now replace the starter, and alternator to make sure that they work.

Now that we have gotten this far; you should never do this without replacing the carburetor to intake gasket, this will cause problems if you don't. As added assurance that the car will start, I usually tighten the intake manifold also.

You should also make 100% sure that you check the fuel filter, and the air filer. Either of these two things could make the car not start for you. One other point here, if the car doesn't start after you do this, you have forgotten a step; it's usually the easiest thing stopping the car from starting.

I have done this a lot of times, and I know that if I follow these steps that car usually does start. But let's not forget to put some gas in the tank, and water in the radiator. This is sure to work for you as good as it dies for me; it's sure to get that old car started.