Check for No Start Sequence

Unknown

I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction of a checklist to

help figure out why my '29 won't catch and start. I've been reading

a copy of Dykes from 1929 so I understand the theory of how the old

systems should operate but I'm short on the practical application.

That is also why I'm doing this myself; to learn how.



I've got a strong battery. I dismantled and reassembled my starter

and I know it is turning the ring gear properly with proper torque.

The last time the car ran was just before I removed the glass bowl

from the bottom of my Stewart mechanical pump. Even then it

wouldn't run for more than a minute or so before restarting. I've

primed the pump at the intake with fresh gas but it just won't catch.



The carb doesn't seem to have an air intake like my '72 so I can't

dump fuel into the butterfly to jumpstart it.



I know I should be testing for spark, compression, timing, points,

etc but not sure which to check first.



Has someone put together a sequence for these old cars with some

hints on how to actually test for spark without killing yourself?



I'm almost at the point of finding a mechanic but that would be

admitting failure so if someone can help point me in some kind of

direction, I'd be appreciative.



David Weinstein

'29 Essex

'72 Corvette