Car will not start

1984 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
175,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ASEMASTER6371
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If you feel it could be that, then do a compression test. That will tell you if the timing chain. The cylinders would all be low.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

As far as spark, never assume it has anything until you confirm it. Check at the plugs again for spark.

Also, do you have a timing light to check the timing while cranking?

Roy
Sep 6, 2020 at 4:03 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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No, I don't have a timing light. And I did the compression test. And got the number cylinder at top. Did the like 4 different times and still nothing. I was told that my rotor could still spin if my timing chain is bad. I'm just getting real frustrated because it shouldn't be this hard. I'm getting gas, I'm getting spark.
Sep 6, 2020 at 8:42 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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That is why you need to do a compression test. It will tell you if you have a chain issue.

You also must have a timing light to set the timing after you get it running. That is a must.

Check and see if you can get or rent a timing light from a parts store.

Roy
Sep 6, 2020 at 8:46 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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Okay, I'll see if I can get one.
Sep 6, 2020 at 9:34 AM
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4DRTOM
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Hello,

i keep coming to the carburetor on this car.
What became of the fuel leak at the very beginning of this you said that you had a leak at the base of the carburetor was that dealt with was the float stuck? When you look down the carburetor body do you have action from the accelerator pump? I'm assuming that you've tried starting fluid to be thinking that your having an ignition problem not a fuel problem.
Let me know.
Tom
Sep 6, 2020 at 10:44 PM
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RJANDIANNA
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Hey Tom, I really saying it was leaking I was saying that I see gas coming to the carburetor so I know it was getting gas. but yes I tried to start a fluid thing anyway just to see if it was going to start and shut off and it didn't do that at all. so I'm guessing it has to be spark must not be getting no spark somewhere, but I just changed the distributor put a new distributor with all new components. it's still nothing. I even got it the number one cylinder what the piston at the top did that like 4-5. times still nothing.
Sep 7, 2020 at 7:39 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Do you have spark yet at the plugs?

You also need to set the timing as well.

Roy
Sep 7, 2020 at 8:24 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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How do you set the timing?????
Sep 7, 2020 at 9:38 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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As I stated back a few posts, you need a timing light to read the location of the distributor.

Did you get the timing light?

I attached the procedure below for you.

Roy

Set timing at low idle and Before Top Dead Center, unless otherwise specified. Disconnect and plug distributor vacuum line, as equipped, at distributor.

1982-86 1.8L (112) FI, 2.5L (151), 4.3L (260), 5.0L (307) engines, ground diagnostic connector.

1982-86 2.0L (122) FI, 2.8L (173) FI, disconnect EST bypass connector (single connector, tan/black wire).

1981-90 all others W/carburetor, disconnect 4-wire connector at distributor.

Timing MUST be set to specifications on emission label, if different from setting listed. If Check Engine" light comes on during procedure, remove ECM fuse to clear.

Sep 7, 2020 at 9:43 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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Okay, thanks. I'll keep you posted.
Sep 7, 2020 at 12:23 PM
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RJANDIANNA
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Hello again.

So I got my timing chain and gears changed the mechanic said the girl's was real bad according to him when he took the cover off he noticed that it did jumped timing. he put the new things in but the problem he's facing it still won't start and like I stated previously I got a new distributor with all new components. I'm getting fuel my spark plugs and wires ain't nothing but four months old so I don't know what is up and he said he don't know what's going on either.
Sep 28, 2020 at 6:49 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Did he verify the distributor was installed correctly?

Did he check the timing while cranking the engine?

Roy
Sep 28, 2020 at 7:36 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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I just left from over there, he said he got a guy going to come over to go over everything and make sure he did everything correctly. so to be honest with you I don't know at this point. it's getting real frustrating.
Sep 28, 2020 at 8:20 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Keep me updated.

Roy
Sep 28, 2020 at 8:22 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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Hello, there it's been awhile giving an update. End up getting an engine put in another 307. I also got my catalytic converter on and put a straight pipe on, but wow is running and everything when I'm trying to take off is hesitating is stalling. it's creeping is barely wants to go. it gradually gradually pick up speed but it's putting and then it finally want to go but it's putting the whole time.
Nov 22, 2020 at 4:03 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Did you check the timing and the carburetor?

Was it a used engine?

Roy
Nov 22, 2020 at 4:12 PM
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RJANDIANNA
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Yes it was a used engine and I used my old carburetor.
Nov 22, 2020 at 6:01 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Do you have a timing light to check the timing?

I posted the procedure for setting the timing and specs are attached.

Roy

Set timing at low idle and Before Top Dead Center, unless otherwise specified. Disconnect and plug distributor vacuum line, as equipped, at distributor.

1982-86 1.8L (112) FI, 2.5L (151), 4.3L (260), 5.0L (307) engines, ground diagnostic connector.

1982-86 2.0L (122) FI, 2.8L (173) FI, disconnect EST bypass connector (single connector, tan/black wire).

1981-90 all others with carburetor, disconnect 4-wire connector at distributor.

Timing MUST be set to specifications on emission label, if different from setting listed. If Check Engine" light comes on during procedure, remove ECM fuse to clear.
Nov 22, 2020 at 6:07 PM
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RJANDIANNA
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Hello there boss, how is it going? so they say they did the timing right. The car start with no problem beside the little cold start. So do you think that my carburetor is bad and that's why it hesitate and putts while I'm trying to take off? It eventually picks up speed but when I come to a stop and try to take off it moves real real slow, putts then gradually picks up speed again. What do you think this is?
Dec 17, 2020 at 7:16 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Definitely. it sounds like either a rebuild or replacement for the carburetor.

Roy
Dec 17, 2020 at 7:23 AM
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RJANDIANNA
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Okay, I am going to give that a try and let you know.
Dec 17, 2020 at 6:35 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a plan.

Roy
Dec 17, 2020 at 6:37 PM