Had the car for many years and this is the first time this has ever happened. Cold start, it turned over once, and then made a loud 'clunk' noise. Next time I hit the key it did not turn over at all, just dimmed the lights. I became concerned that somehow the engine had seized. However, I was able to turn it over manually at the harmonic balancer bolt. I then proceeded to try to start it again, and it again turned over once and produced the 'clunk' noise. Note, this noise is NOT the grinding starter noise you get when there is no starter to flywheel tooth engagement.
So what has changed recently to potentially cause this condition?
The car was suffering from misfire at 4000 RPM. I checked the dwell, and it was around 27 degrees. I increased it to 31 degrees and then reset the timing to about 10 degrees BTDC (with vacuum advance plugged). It appears, at full advance, to be reaching about 34 degrees. (determined with a dial timing light)
I've done some reading online and found out that excessive initial advance can cause "starter kick back". However, I don't believe 10 degrees to be excessive (although the manual CONSERVATIVELY states 4 degrees as the specified setting).
I've been thinking my next step is to retard the timing some, maybe back towards 4, and see if the condition still exists. I am very concerned about damaging the starter or the flywheel if I don't fix this soon.
Thanks.
Mike
So what has changed recently to potentially cause this condition?
The car was suffering from misfire at 4000 RPM. I checked the dwell, and it was around 27 degrees. I increased it to 31 degrees and then reset the timing to about 10 degrees BTDC (with vacuum advance plugged). It appears, at full advance, to be reaching about 34 degrees. (determined with a dial timing light)
I've done some reading online and found out that excessive initial advance can cause "starter kick back". However, I don't believe 10 degrees to be excessive (although the manual CONSERVATIVELY states 4 degrees as the specified setting).
I've been thinking my next step is to retard the timing some, maybe back towards 4, and see if the condition still exists. I am very concerned about damaging the starter or the flywheel if I don't fix this soon.
Thanks.
Mike
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