Still learning.....

iluvnos · 09-10-2009, 06:54 PM

OK can anyone point me in the right direction of a few thing PLEASE!! First off how large of a battery do I need for a 260 v-8. What is the required CCA's? Here is the main issue. I charged the battery back to full strength and it tries to start but it will not start. I traied pumping the and holding the pedal as I always do to no avail. I tried priming the carb by pouring gas into the carb, and same result... wont turn over. Anyone have any idea where I should start to try and figure this puzzle out? thanks

anaonbd · 09-10-2009, 10:04 PM

I was told that on the small blocks, which is anything under a 390 that a 22F battery tray is what's used. CCA is mid 400s (what my battery is), but as for the size class, I'll have to check on that tomorrow.

ARS · 09-12-2009, 08:04 AM

I'm confused. It sounds like you're having an ignition problem rather than a battery cranking problem. If the battery is cranking the engine fast enough, but it won't fire or fire enough, look to the fuel or spark. Buy a can of starting fluid and spray some into the carb. If if fires up for a second or two then stalls, the problem is probably with the fuel system. Otherwise it's probably the ignition.

If the battery is not cranking the engine fast enough, fire check the cables and clear the connectors before you replace the battery.

iluvnos · 09-12-2009, 10:22 AM

I will try the starting fluid and I am willing to bet it may be the ignition. The starter solenoid and the battery cable, as well as the battery itself (but the battery looks small) have all been replaced. The points dist cap wires and plugs as well have been replaced. The carb is a month old as well. I got it started again but I am a little shell shocked to drive it real far in case it conks out on me again. The coil pack on the motor looks like it is old, could that be the issue?

Raven6t9 · 09-13-2009, 04:11 PM

You sound like you know enough to do what you need to do, just remember the things you need, Air, Fuel, and Spark. Battery I guess would be under the spark catagory.
Research each one back to the start and find out which one isnt getting to the end point to dots job. This works nearly every time for me with old cars. New cars, not so much as the ECU tends to put a nice twist on things.

paso_ranchero · 09-14-2009, 01:26 PM

When you replaced the points, did you also replace the condenser? Had one go bad in a 69 w/302. If condenser is OK then check coil. If it is old it may have broken down. The one in my 62 leaked oil out onto the engine.

lincolndriver · 09-14-2009, 02:45 PM

still learing... you didnt make any mention of adjusting the new points. if youre not familiar with points, you might not know to adjust them. I didnt hear any mention of altering the ignition so i can assume it is still original. Like Raven6t9 said start back at the beginning.
Hope this helps
dc

iluvnos · 09-20-2009, 05:07 PM

Lincolndriver and raven6t9 you guys were right. I went back and started from the beginning. The points were advanced for the correct timing and the coil and condenser were both checking out ok. I think the issue is the fact that after tracing this whole thing down, it comes to be that I am an idiot. When I start her cold I have to hold the pedal down to the floor and she starts right up. After she warms up I just have to turn the ignition. Before I was holding the pedal to the floor as if I was starting her cold and I think I was flooding her out. Too much gas and not enough spark? She has started fine the last couple days I have tried this out. But is is nice to know you guys (everyone who replied) have experience and I appreciate your help. I do think I am going to upgrade the coil and plugs and wires though. Thankf for everyones help.