Questions and Answers
Truck Won't Start
Q. I am but a mere mortal who comes to seek your advice. I have a project which I dabble with until I get irritated, a pickup, a commer I believe it is called, from english origins. Me and my dad spend many afternoons debating the problem why it won't start when actually neither of us have much experience in car repair. So enough talk here is the problem:
After a full cleaning of the fuel system the following happens:
It turns over a couple times the first time I try to start it.
I notice there is a small leak of fuel from the gasket between the carb and engine.
Once a cloud of smoke shot out the carb after a couple starts.I hope you can help me.
BenA. It might have helped me make a more accurate diagnosis if you included the specific make and model of truck you're working on. But I can give you some general things to check out.
Since there is a small fuel leak, (fix it before you start the truck) I'll assume fuel is getting to the engine.
It sounds like a timing or ignition system problem to me. What I would suggest is pulling the spark plugs and if they are carbon fouled, replace them. Then check the distributor cap, rotor and ignition wires. And make absolutely sure the placement of the wires in the cap is correct and the firing order is correct as well.
