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1971 Coupe DeVille won't start

Started by V8marc, January 20, 2020, 07:04:18 PM

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V8marc

Hello from Germany.

I have a 1971 Coupe DeVille (with Pertronix ignition) and it always started immediately. I had no trouble so far. However, this morning I started it and changed from "D" to "R" to reverse it. After this, the engine went off and ever since I am not able to start it again. I already did the following but nothing happened:

- Checked the battery.
- The engine cranks and produces a spark.
- Changed the spark plugs.
- Start pilot spray doesnt help either.
- Slight smell of fuel.

Any ideas? Maybe a lack of fuel pressure or a bad fuel pump?

Thank you guys!

Marc
’71 Coupe DeVille

Mike Josephic CLC #3877

I will not start since you shifted the tranny from
"D" to "R"?  Perhaps the neutral safety switch
has gotten out of whack.  Check it out.

Mike
1955 Cadillac Eldorado
1973 Cadillac Eldorado
1995 Cadillac Seville
2004 Escalade
1997 GMC Suburban 4X4, 454 engine, 3/4 ton
custom built by Santa Fe in Evansville, IN
2011 Buick Lucerne CX
-------------------------------------
CLCMRC Museum Benefactor #38
Past: VP International Affiliates, Museum Board Director, President / Director Pittsburgh Region

V8marc

Wouldn‘t it then crank in any gear or not crank at all? Neither one of this is the case. It cranks in P and N only but not in R.
’71 Coupe DeVille

The Tassie Devil(le)

G'day Marc,

If nothing else has changed, and you have spark at the plugs, and it cranks in P and N, then time to check the timing to see if the Cam Timing Gear has destroyed itself, as in the nylon teeth falling off, which it could have done a long time ago, and the Aluminium teeth have worn away, allowing the timing chain to slip.

One way to check is to remove the distributor cap and manually crank the engine via the crankshaft, backwards and forwards, and see how much slop there is in the rotor turning both ways.

You would be surprised just how well an engine will run in such a worn condition.

Mine still ran beautifully wit no nylon on the teeth, but way retarded.   Wouldn't have been long before the teeth were gone.

Bruce. >:D

PS.   You have an email from the Moderators that requires your attention.

'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

V8marc

Thanks Bruce. I will go and check it.

PS. I just completed my profile  ;D
’71 Coupe DeVille

76eldo

Probably more like a bad Pertronix unit or coil.  If starting fluid doesn't get it to cough and there is a fuel odor it means to me that there is no spark.  At least check for spark at a plug wire.

Brian
Brian Rachlin
Huntingdon Valley, Pa
I prefer email's not PM's rachlin@comcast.net

1960 62 Series Conv with Factory Tri Power
1970 DeVille Conv
1970 Eldo
1970 Caribu (?) "The Cadmino"
1973 Eldorado Conv Pace Car
1976 Eldorado Conv
1980 Eldorado H & E Conv
1993 Allante with Hardtop (X2)
2008 DTS
2012 CTS Coupe
2017 XT
1956 Thunderbird
1966 Olds Toronado

35-709

#6
Quote from: V8marc on January 20, 2020, 07:04:18 PM
Hello from Germany.

I have a 1971 Coupe DeVille (with Pertronix ignition) and it always started immediately. I had no trouble so far. However, this morning I started it and changed from "D" to "R" to reverse it. After this, the engine went off and ever since I am not able to start it again. I already did the following but nothing happened:

- Checked the battery.
- The engine cranks and produces a spark.
- Changed the spark plugs.
- Start pilot spray doesnt help either.
- Slight smell of fuel.

Any ideas? Maybe a lack of fuel pressure or a bad fuel pump?

Thank you guys!

Marc

If starting fluid won't at least make it try to run and you have spark as you said, then it would seem the engine has jumped time. 
1935 Cadillac Sedan resto-mod "Big Red"
1973 Cadillac Caribou - Sold - but still in the family
1950 Jaguar Mark V Saloon resto-mod - Sold
1942 Cadillac 6269 - Sold
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible - Sold
1950 Packard 2dr. Club Sedan
1935 Glenn Pray - Auburn Boattail Speedster, Gen. 2

TJ Hopland

Based on the info we have so far I too am thinking next thing to check is timing chain as the others have described.  The all things seemed normal then shifted and it quit also fits.  Its slightly unusual you are not getting some pops here and there but it may have just skipped to the perfect spot where there just isn't any intake action or compression.   Where and how are you checking for spark?   

These engines didn't come with a bolt in the crank and its not a common enough size that you can easily pick one up at a typical hardware store so you will most likely have to figure out a different way to 'rock' the engine than you would typically use.     
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

SixDucks

 What size and thread is the bolt? Is it 7/16 fine thread?

Terry
Current:
1941 coupe
1962 Fleetwood
1988 Brougham
Previous:
1956 Series 62 Sedan
1963 Fleetwood
1975 Fleetwood Brougham D'Elegance
1989 Brougham

The Tassie Devil(le)

9/16" UNF.   Doesn't need to be too long, but 1" should be fine.   Don't forget to take the cork out, and if it is out, then it would indicate that the engine has been worked on in the past.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

Big Fins

Or, the cork simply dried up and fell out.
Current:
1976 Eldorado Convertible in Crystal Blue FireMist with white interior and top. (Misty Blue)
1969 Fleetwood Brougham in Chalice Gold FireMist with matching interior and top. (The Old Man) SOLD!

Past and much missed:
1977 Brougham de Elegance
1976 Eldorado Convertible
1972 Fleetwood Brougham
1971 Sedan de Ville
1970 de Ville Convertible
1969 Sedan de Ville
1959 Sedan deVille

V8marc

Guys
Thank you for your replies. I finally found the reason: somehow the fuel line going from the tank to the fuel pump was blocked. After cleaning it with compressed air, a big blob of dirt came out. Now she starts perfectly again :)
’71 Coupe DeVille