1983 Seville HT4100 cranks, but will not start after rebuild.......HELP!

[Vinny6t6]

After a successful rebuild, with the car starting right up, it's dead again.  Now car cranks and does not turn over.  Getting fuel pressure at 10psi and car has spark.  I took out the spark plus and grounded it out while cranking and I see spark.  Funny thing, when I pulled the spark plug it was wet with gas.  Figured it was flooded, right?  I took off air cleaner and let the car sit, shot some starter fluid in there and nothing.  It was running nice after the rebuild, but slowly started to lose power, but started every time.  Then it used to start and slowly die out.  Now it wont start at all.  Any ideas?  By the way, no error codes a all.

[Dan LeBlanc]

If you have fuel and you have spark, next I would do a compression test.

[Vinny6t6]

That's what I was going to do tomorrow.  or maybe a leak down test.  I'll let you guys know.  Thanks for all the advice you have given me. 

[hornetball]

Have you checked timing?  Maybe your distributor is moving around.

[Dan LeBlanc]

That's another good one.

[Vinny6t6]

Answer is none to all of the above.  I've tried it all.  Sad to say we are parting it out.

[TJ Hopland]

Giving up after all that work?

Distributor slipping out of time was my thought too.

10 psi is a little low for fuel pressure but close enough so it should run.   

[Vinny6t6]

Yes and no.  I don't want to put anymore time and money into it. I have too many projects going on like a refresh of my 66 DVC and a motor rebuild on my other vette.  I feel bad because it's two tone black and silver, with wire wheels with knock offs, beautiful red interior and original dash right down to the radio.  However, it has kicked my butt up and down the street.  I'll try timing one more time, but he can make two grand parting it out.

[76eldo]

Can it be a weak or intermittent spark?
The ignition module in the distributor can be bad. I had that happen to an 85 Eldo many years ago.

I’m not sure how to trouble shoot that but you can check to see that your distributor didn’t jump a tooth or two by taking the cap off and bringing it up on TDC and see where it’s pointing. If your gear was worn on the distributor it’s possible.

Good luck.

[SixDucks]

 It's not to late for an Oldsmobile engine conversion......

Terry

[Vinny6t6]

I took the distributor out, put the engine at TDC, dropped it in and nothing.  Did not jump a tooth.  I put brand new distributor gear in it.  I already put it on FB marketplace to be parted out and the people are lining up at my house.  My son is making a fortune.  Thanks all in advance for the help

[76eldo]

Sometimes it goes that way.

I hope he nets enough to buy a nice car.

Brian

[TJ Hopland]

I'm amazed to hear that there are that many local(ish) people interested in parts off an 83 Seville.

Hope he buys another Cadillac so we can see what happens next. 

[James Landi]

Vincent, this is really such a sad story; however, how you and your son interacted and got the job done --- this is truly worth so much more than the car.  My dad and I, back in 1963, worked on a similar project... even through he was a busy attorney at the time, he always believed that my brother and I should be independent, resourceful, and know how to swing a wrench--- he provided me with an amazingly important life lesson, so hugs to you and your son for your perseverance and ingenuity.   James

[76eldo]

TJ,

A friend of mine put a 78 Biarritz on Facebook Marketplace and sold everything off of the car in 2 weeks.  Made a lot of money.
There is a huge Cadillac following on Facebook.

Brian

[Vinny6t6]

James, you are right. What I taught him and what he learned was worth more than selling the car.  His dream is an 84 Eldo Conv.  I told him that to just save his money and sometimes one comes out that needs a little cosmetic work.  I loved that when I said I have time to help him, he dropped everything and worked on the car.  Talk about making money in parts.  He sold the trunk lid, head light chrome, tail lights and front grill for $600.  Now someone wants to buy all four doors for $500.  He has these wire rims on it with brand new tires on it that he has had offers for $800.  Its the wire wheels where you have to attach a hub adapter and the rims bolt on with the center spinner only.  Similar to a Jag.
He has not even sold the interior parts yet.  Beautiful blood red with no rips or tears and near mint dash with original radio.  Dash pad is shot though.  Time to move onto next project!

[James Landi]

Hi Vinny,

I sold our terrific CLC president Glenn Brown my 85 Eldorado Convertible with a conversion small block Olds engine a couple of years ago ( spring 2017).  I don't know if he still has it, but I suggest that you connect with him , and find out if he does. It needs work, but you won't have the problems with the 4100 HT engine.   James