sounds like you need to go back to basics on this one Richard. Pull the plugs and the rocker cover, check number 1 piston at TDC, check all valves are still opening at the right point, do a compression test, if all that checks out then throw the distributors in the bin as there must be a reason it was swapped out in the first place, pull the carb and make sure nothing is blocking the inlet... Go back there on a day you feel fresh and Don't let it beat you..
Yeah brother you can overcome the situations, i think you must go back to the beginning, check all the plugs and the distributor also failed go find the new one and replaced it,see how it will do.
Would definitely pull the valve covers to make sure all the valves are doing what they’re supposed to do. Then check out that timing chain. It might’ve jumped or it’s just that sloppy? I love your channel. You guys are great. I look forward to it every week. Thank you very much!
i had an olds cutlas that jumped tome when i turned the car off i had to put a timming chain in it before it would start do i woul try that and i bet it will run
I have had good luck with adding a couple of degrees of advance to the base timing on older engines with sloppy timing chains. It worked wonders on my old 318 mopar much better than with out. Drove better
My husband thinks it might help to change out the carburetor and the coil. We love your channel! ❤ You are an extremely smart auto mechanic. You and Christina work really well together! She is also very smart! We have learned a lot from your channel; at least I have. It’s fun to guess what caused each automobile to die, and what will revive it. Thanks for explaining everything you do to each vehicle. We love the old cars from the 60’s and the 70’s! We hope all your hard work is paying off!
if the timing chain has a lot of slack from being excessively worn the timing will jump around..sometimes it will fire and then it won't. Always enjoy watching your videos! 👍
Wow love your content...the nova did give you a hard time however you are a man that does not give up and that is why we love your channel. Keep the great content coming.
Bump # 1 piston to top dead center, then look on the damper to see timing mark is on 0 on the tab. \then take off distributor cap , look to see if the # 1 spark plug aligns to the rotor.
Next time check for timing chain slop by popping the cap and turn the crank by hand back and forth to see how much it moves before the distributor moves. If you have slop, then it's probably jumped time.
That was a frustrating one for sure! I would have been tearing my hair out by now, but you hung in there and tried everything. I would bet it is the timing chain that may have jumped. You and Christina are fun and entertaining to watch. I can't believe some of these other cars you got running, actually ran, I was amazed. Great effort Richard and Christina!
Well done Richard, I am sure you would figure it out with time. It is frustrating but when you have time constraints, you can't just sleep on it. I am sure every mechanic has these moments! 👍
Hi, I like your videos for 2 reasons. 1 - your commentary, explanations & interaction with C. As a child of the 50's, I don't remember a lot of this stuff! 2 - the camera work. It is not a camera set up on a tripod with a stationary view. Much appreciated actually seeing what you're doing & talking about. Great stuff guys, thanks.
Richard and Christina…just watched the Nova video and after looking through most of the comments, I lean toward timing issues. However, you have been around long enough to know that most any electrical part can go south on you if you blink too hard. Take a deep breath and remember, it is mechanical and can be fixed. Pull the carb and replace with new unit. In the process check and replace all vacumn lines and gaskets….all of them ! Now pull the valve covers make sure no rods are bent…you know the drill. Do a compression check…install new plugs. Now the distributor…either install a new HEI or points distributor. Check all wiring connections and inspect for bare spots from header burns or rodents dining. Replace plug wires. Lets assume new ignition system is installed and you have great spark…rotate the engine until timing marks are aligned per spec. With the key on and number one plug wire set for arc jump, slowly move the distributor until you see spark jump. It is at this point the engine is in time with the crank marks. If you don’t get spark or you need to rotate close to the next wire position, it has chain issues. A Nova that age should have chain replaced or go to gear drive. Go back with a trunk full of parts and tools. Pitch your tent and fix it.
Awesome comment Richard. I agree. I had thought about swapping the chain, but getting the cover back on is super tough without dropping the pan. I didn't want to get into that, but I could on the next visit.
@@whattherust Hi… I mentioned the method of setting timing which for some reason sounds strange to some folks out here. It is by the way, the method Ferrari used to time their engines and it works every time. While I have you, what is happening to the budget build Chev ? I do hope you forget that patina crap and instead do a roller applied rustoleum paint job. Wet sand and polish. That makes a better budget ride than something with rust everywhere. I dont have a daughter but if a guy pulled in my drive with a rust bucket, he would need to find a new date. Take the Chev to where a younger person would go with their car. You two are fun to watch. Stay safe !
@@richardgabel33 Hi Richard. We are thinking of a quickie paint job instead of the patina protector. It is a lot more work, but I agree it will look a lot better. Perhaps a satin white?
I was working on a lawn mower and it was doing like the Nova it had a stuck valve it's either that or has jumped time get the piston TDC check your timing Mark and location of your rotary button, also check your plugs, I had a engine that would run for a minute and quit changed plugs and ran great,l love y'all have a blessed day
@@richardbonazzoli58 Hi guys…I took the budget build as a show and tell sort of project. There are enough people that can start an old engine. The catch is to make it sound and reliable. Think of this as your own first car and your budget is limited. Mentally be that kid who got his first car and wants it to be cool. My first car was a 1957 Cadillac Coup DeVille with blue paint. I touched up chips with spot putty filler, sanded then hit that area with rattle can primer. It finally looked crappy with all the primer so my budget choice was Earl Shieb $29.95 diamond flake blue. I did ALL the taping and took it to the paint shop. Back then if it wasn’t taped, it got painted. A few days later I went to get my car. It was sitting in the window of their showroom. It had one small run but that is what you got back then. I have helped others paint cars since then. Since Christine fixed the interior, I thought doing a cheap roller or spray paint job would be in order. Have fun and stay safe.
I had a friend of mine who was a mechanic in his younger days and also drag raced, winning multiple trophies. He referred to the Quadrajets as “Quadrajunks” but said they were easy to fix. Just remove the carb, throw it into the junk pile and run down to the parts store a buy a Holly to fit your rig. Install the Holly and drive away.
When they backfire through the carb. Sometimes it blows the pump diaphragm. An it won't let one run for very long. I have ran into this many times with 4 barrel carbs. Especially if they are the older ones that have been setting a long time. So now, when i get one of the older holleys, carters, quadrajet, etc.. I take them a part an clean them out as good as i can. An if they look really bad I'll throw in a rebuild kit. Just so, i know that all the inside components are all new an functioning properly. You know all we need to make anything run is; gas, fire, an oil. 😁👍
My sense is because it did start fairly easily, but would not run on throttle. It seems to idle until you open the throttle. I think the carb is clogged or you got a vaccum leak you have not found. Maybe the carb is clogged and the brake boost hose is sucking air. Or pull the valve covers for stuck valve after you check the carb and vacuum leak. My 2 cents
I like your channel because it always look genuine and honest. I love this one because you left it all in and asked for help. I sure hope you can get back to it and finish the deal. We've all been there, sometimes you just got to walk away for a while....
I can't an Indiana car isn't completely rotted out. She must have been a well-kept, garage queen most her life. I had 3 Novas when I was a young man. I'd love to have one more before I pass from this world. So many memories of building my first 383 stroker engine. You two are such a breath of fresh air. It is not a failure; it is a chance to learn Richard.
I used to have a '68 Nova with the straight six engine. I bought it as a complete rust bucket as it had been backed into the Gulf. I wanted a cheap car to drive back and forth to work so I wasn't too concerned about the back end being nearly all fiberglass (I did all of the work myself on weekends and holidays and drove the car daily). I drove it daily, an hour each way. When the engine started acting a little too tired, I traded it in for a "May Go Bang" (some people called them Pintos). For a car that I only paid less than $400 for, I really enjoyed that old Nova. The Pinto? I drove it for several years and even had water injection on it for a while which shot the fuel economy over 30 mpg. I had the safety recall parts on it and I did actually get rear ended once....no boom, though. After four years I traded it in for an old '61 Ford pickup which I drove until it just wouldn't go any farther. I love old cars and trucks!
My friend...I don't believe: you quickly with Chevy Nova; your wife have the idea... the carburetor supsion air, because your start the Carr on,but fall because in carburator sistema is aire entrance...Go to back and run Chevy Nova, your the best.
Don't we all know about the frustration of not knowing just exactly what is wrong. Sometimes it just takes a different day, and a fresh start from scratch and replace parts with known good parts. We've all been there, don't give up on it. Seems to be timing to my ears. Try it again, we'll be watching!
I agree! We don't get much sleep when we're on the road and we were exhausted by day three. He's a smart cookie but we all need rest to stay sharp. You completely called it! Thanks for watching much appreciated.
This one probably had issues when parked so . . . Check compression, Rebuild the carb.. pull the intake, check the valves, rocker assembly, push rods. Might as well pull the heads too. inspect for cracks. I did hear a tick as if a push rod(s) is bent or a issue with a rocker arm.
Does seem like it jumped time but I also seen stuck valve or valves do that you should of took valve covers off and rolled the motor over and watch to see if one or more wasn't moving
Well, Miss Christina did say they had been on the road for three days and were a bit tired. Add that to the frustration of an engine not doing anything twice and that would drain anybody's energy.
You have had lots of comments and it's worth checking those things mentioned. My Nova was made the sam week as this Nova but the VIN on the door and is in 8500 numbers away. Very cool!!!
Ah, a 71 Nova! Back in 92-93, my neighbor and I found a crap 71 in Auto Trader, $300. We carted that heap home, got it running, bashed out all the glass, installed a roll cage, and dirt track raced it at the local 3/8 mile oval. Fun times.
Multiple small things could be the issue. I would go back to HEI distributor until I get it running. Use the starter fluid instead of gas to reduce getting wet plugs. Pulling the plugs and replacing might be a route as well. I would be there all day too. Love the video
You are correct about Chevy starters, I had a 57 Bel-Air with a 283 and factory dual exhaust. The crossover pipe was near the starter and the starter lasted about 2 years and Chevy is also known to having cooked bushings in the A-frame
And just so you don't feel bad. I did the same thing on a chrysler V8 that would not start replaced the points the cap and everything but the rotor (it seemed to look ok) and guess what. Another fellow went out there and put a rotor button in it and it fired right up. After thinking about it it dawned on me that if i followed the procedure knowing how the igniton system worked I would have and should have found the trouble. We live and learn.
Put a timing light on it to find out if timing has jumped or timing chain is real loose(timing marks jump with light on it). Run a compression check to see if valves stuck. Put NEW plugs in it you do good work, love you guys channel
Hey beautiful couple! Man, if you don't know, I would never know whats wrong! But if I would try again, I would change the starter (had that experience before) and try to jump the ignition. Thank you both for the great video!
aside my reply to A Guy With Wood below, I'd also check if the engine block has good grounding. jump-grounding the distributor was a good idea already, but not enough. the grounding allows for the starter to run, but not for the sparks. I once switched a starter only to find out the grounding was rotten off... :) also there is maybe a surpass for the resistor cable, engaged while one runs the starter. if that has failed you'll get a hard time finding a spark. I too, noticed it won't accelerate once it ran, like the accelerator pump is shot. or clogged. good luck with that machine, this lil chevy looks like it'll be shined up easily. whoever switched the hood also seemed to have switched the front fenders as well, they are all red. :) (once I grabbed a front fender for my old Ford Taunus from the yard, and when I wanted to fix a small rust hole I found this fender had been repainted six times in different colours... like it was a traveling award? is that even a word?) also, Christina is your angel on your shoulder sometimes, remembering things you wanted to check before first run. ;)
love the content Guys. I had a GM do that in the 70's it had jumped time, I may be wrong but it sure sounds like the one I worked on all those years ago. Has always Liked and shared. All my best.
Sounds to me the distributor is 180 out, usually when it pops up through the carb that's what that means.when you put the distributor back in it may have been 180 out.when you check the firing order make sure you're on top dead center on the compression stroke so when you pull the cap off the rotor should be pointing to number one then check firing order from there.the only way it can jump time is if the chain is worn really bad.also ,if that's a 307 in that then it could have a bad cam,they were known for that
Good evening, that was a mystery running and then not running all at once, I would have changed the plugs before I went to a point distributor, timing might have been the factor, but there are ways to check that also by pulling the number one and see where your rotor is pointing, usually if the timing is out, it pops a little louder than what I seen. always start cheap with parts replacing. The fuel from the tail pipe told me that it was flooded so the plugs is my guess. And you went back with all the parts they changed before, so the problem is not new. Great video gets us thinking.
Richard you have to try a nova revival 2.0, not just give up. Arrive armed with parts. Pull the valve covers and timing cover to see the issue. Start fresh, maybe put the car in a better work area. Take breaks and make it fun. Love the content, old cars can be humbling
Super easy to check your timing chain, remove the distributor cap turn your crank from left to right to see the play on the cam and distributor gear,. but by the sound of it you washed the cylinders ! and probably sticky valves in the guides.
I would check to see if the timing is lined up were the timing chain is it could be off and if it is off even by a little bit that could effect the starting process. I hope you get it figured out 👍🏿
Smart, experienced, hard working- great cars, meh vide/audio ography. yall'ed grow like crazy with some fun lovin personality. Shame you're sitting at 25k, your effort is worth more.
Sounds like carb problems you said secondaries was not working i would pull carb and rebuild hope you get the ole girl up and running again. I have a 72 Nova love your channel keep up the great content
Hello, Try checking that you get a spark from the points with the ignition on, It seems you lose spark when the starter disengages, Also be sure you got a good ground from the body to the engine, I bet that carb needs a clean too, It might pay you to replace the plugs aswell Richard, I've been caught out a few times with old plugs that look ok! Anyway I'm sure you'll get there with it)
I had a 71 Nova and it started spiting gas out of the top of the carb. and it ended up being the timing gear had a fiber coating and allowed it to jump time.
I'd change Plugs Wires and put in a new distributor and that carburetor ,bring it up on number one with the ole finger trick. check all grounds on engine to the body. If that don't work Pull the timing cover and see if it jumped time. Great video Sir.
Hi, I have had a couple small block chev motors. I had the same problem. On mine it was a timing chain that had jumped a tooth... Not saying that is the problem..Love your videos.
Great videos ,thank you. My advise on this one: Check compression check ignition switch, may with key in start mode you have spark but with ignition "ON" you do not
Hard luck Richard, can`t win `em all. I was thinking in terms of the plug wires being on the wrong plugs but you checked that so there goes my idea up the chimney, never mind.
Factory air and rubber matts? Unheard of. No other power options either. Just steering and brakes. Very rare optioned car. And a real nice example. Sounds like it jumped time. The one time it backfired a very well may have possibly jumped the chain. Good to see your better half is back in action with you! Y'all are a great team.
Man, another Indiana car. I had a 72 Nova SS 350 4 spd posi trac 300 hp. It had the rubber floor mat and AC as well. I wish I'd never let it go. I got mine used in 1975. It had 49,000 miles on it 67,000 when I sold it 6 yrs later. Loved that car. If I'd known what it would be worth today I would still have it.
We really enjoy your content, good job. I agree with the other comments. Compression test it, and open it up to check the timing chain and under the vavle covers. The way its backfiring makes me think timing. Make sure number 1 cylinder is TDC on compression stroke with rotor pointing to it. Im sure its nothing you dont know how to handle. Good luck 👍
Another beautiful gem great condition carb issues richard float seemed like when you gave it gas it died further diagnostics definitely needed timing cover
Man I'm sorry that car was being a 🦃 can't win them all but still entertaining to watch I have my sight on a stuck lifter or one them is not comming up the way I could be wrong .love the channel still not going to change what what so ever
Hmmm, Start with taking valve covers off, crank it & see if all valve opens and close. #2 Bring number 1 piston up & check timing marks. #3 Change plugs and wires. (You already change dist) #4 Maybe rebuild carb or change power valve rubber boot in carb. That should get you going on the right track. Good Luck.
I was in my armchair the entire time being an online mechanic! I enjoy you showing your mistakes like the battery not being hooked up. I didn't see you bypass the key. Is it possible there's an ignition switch problem? That's my best (peanut gallery) guess. I've been asked to do a will it run on a 57 Tbird this coming weekend. Thank you guys for being fun and inspirational.
I would actually second that idea with the ignition switch. they can go bad with the contact to the ignition itself, and then the ignition won't get any electric juice while you engage the starter. older Beetles can have this problem, and the engine will start if you release the starter at the right moment. you can find that out measuring the voltage while starting at either distributor or coil.
@@lotharrenz4621 It will be interesting to see the final result. In fact I'm glad it didn't get resolved in one video. I use the push button switches. I can never seem to resolve things with a meter.
@@aguywithwood9293 I'm looking forward to Richard finding out what's wrong. when one likes to fiddle with classic cars it never hurts to learn a trick or two more. :) I think I kn ow what you mean. both methods take practise. and some push-button swicthes even give you voltage on a little display. :)
It's flooded. Most likely a new set of plugs (and maybe wires) would help. That carb is shot, has no accelerator pump action, and the main jets are likely clogged as well. Needs a rebuild or a new (or good used) Quadrajet. It's normal for a Q-jet to not have secondary action with the choke flap closed. Some carb work and a new set of plugs and wires (plus correct timing and point dwell) would most likely have it running. Good luck, Richard, and thanks for the cool vids!
Possibly a stuck valve, possibly a carburetor issue especially since the secondaries weren't responding to the accelerator linkage. It's even possible the cam and the crank are out of time....not sure how that could happen, but its possible. I might pull the timing cover just to make sure the marks on the sprockets are aligning. I hope that helps....I'm not a mechanic, but I have some knowledge. This one was definitely stubborn to be sure! Thanks Richard and Christina for sharing!!
I would start with a fresh cup of coffee...then take the valve covers off and inspect the valves, then the firing order (seems off) then the carburetor and new spark plugs for extra piece of mind...seems to me that the nova never seen a real mechanic...ever...love your videos men, cheers!
Sounds like it jumped time old chevy's can jump time, not very often,but still possible,❤LoveJim J&R mobile service and God Bless y'all and your critters
sometimes we are looking for an easy fix but other times a car needs a good overall tuneup to start with and along the way ckeck all the basics including spark plugs
Hey you guys I hope you get some more ideas from the watchers. When you do please go back to it and try again if it's not a big major problem which it very well may be. Or too expensive. I would try a different carb maybe. It's so strange that it ran relatively well for those short times. Has me stumped too Rich. Thank you guys so very much for the wonderful videos. I know it's so much work.
Hi Richie. I am receiving a lot of good ideas, and they all are around the carb, timing, and compression. I am considering a trip back there to try out the suggestions.
At 24:50, "You should be proud of me"..... Hon, if Richard were any more proud of you, he'd need rubber shirts as his chest would just keep getting bigger and bigger! He definitely struck gold with you....but you did pretty good as well. You two are so perfectly matched and so much fun to watch as you interact with each other. I also see that Richard went back to his old habit of forgetting the battery....LOL! I tend to believe that the engine has jumped time..maybe by just one link on the chain but it sure acts like it just can't quite "catch it's breath".
Try TDC 180° for the distributor drop in facing number one cylinder.& Soak the cylinders in some transmission ATF transmission fluid to for AWhile before trying it again. And good luck on Richard.
Excellent video Christine :) , Richard :) also like Chevrolet Chevy 1 also 2 before the Chevrolet Nova made and like Nova too in 2 or 4 plus LS or SS models! One car in my Car Club I member to since 2011 also it a 1974 Chevrolet Nova SS 2 door also got 350 V8 motor 4 bolt main from truck also interesting part has Coulmn Shifter Manual 3 in tree from 1976 Chevrolet Pick Up also has stock steering wheel to , Power Brakes and Steering too also got 377 posi rear gears ! Guy had since early 2000 years rebuilt from parts car model and Cherry Red body plus Black Interior! Also never like headers to Richard, plus when see fuses wrap with tin foil not favorite to work and see some much wireing burn up on from fuses wrapped in tin foil !
it sounded the entire time like timing was off, but i have a suggestion. this has happened to me once where spark plug looked absolutely normal; used but ok. vehicle would not start. I took it out and had it tested and somewhere inside the plug it had broken connection, so would not spark at all. I didnt see that you tested all of them, but I would suggest checking spark on each plug or testing that the cables are good. I have always had a good ear for auto issues and this just sounds electrical, like somewhere on that motor its not getting spark. just sounded like something was not sparking or firing right, like firing order was wrong but you said you checked that. anyway, thats my two cents
Not a fail at all! Great video as always. I can’t say I have a whole lot of hands-on experience on these old rigs yet but I think the issue might be a blown head gasket. Had a similar issue on my 1954 Plymouth. Fired but wouldn’t start and couldn’t figure out the issue until we checked compression.
To add to that thought a compression issue might have prompted the owner of this beloved machine to finally park it. A well kept-for car like this probably wouldn’t be parked for something simple.
sounds like you need to go back to basics on this one Richard. Pull the plugs and the rocker cover, check number 1 piston at TDC, check all valves are still opening at the right point, do a compression test, if all that checks out then throw the distributors in the bin as there must be a reason it was swapped out in the first place, pull the carb and make sure nothing is blocking the inlet... Go back there on a day you feel fresh and Don't let it beat you..
Hello
Yessir! Nailed it!
Yeah brother you can overcome the situations, i think you must go back to the beginning, check all the plugs and the distributor also failed go find the new one and replaced it,see how it will do.
Happy Halloween 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃 happy holiday season for all of you God bless you all and be with you all the time
@11:55 The secondaries aren’t opening because the choke is closed. The secondary lockout arm is applied until the choke opens.
Christine you a great mechanic helper. You encourage all the time! And yes we are all proud of what you are learning!❤
Would definitely pull the valve covers to make sure all the valves are doing what they’re supposed to do. Then check out that timing chain. It might’ve jumped or it’s just that sloppy? I love your channel. You guys are great. I look forward to it every week. Thank you very much!
I was screaming Timing! Timing! Timing! throughout the whole cranking process
i had an olds cutlas that jumped tome when i turned the car off i had to put a timming chain in it before it would start do i woul try that and i bet it will run
I have had good luck with adding a couple of degrees of advance to the base timing on older engines with sloppy timing chains. It worked wonders on my old 318 mopar much better than with out. Drove better
Thanks for the tip William.
My husband thinks it might help to change out the carburetor and the coil.
We love your channel! ❤ You are an extremely smart auto mechanic. You and Christina work really well together! She is also very smart! We have learned a lot from your channel; at least I have. It’s fun to guess what caused each automobile to die, and what will revive it. Thanks for explaining everything you do to each vehicle. We love the old cars from the 60’s and the 70’s!
We hope all your hard work is paying off!
if the timing chain has a lot of slack from being excessively worn the timing will jump around..sometimes it will fire and then it won't. Always enjoy watching your videos! 👍
Wow love your content...the nova did give you a hard time however you are a man that does not give up and that is why we love your channel.
Keep the great content coming.
Bump # 1 piston to top dead center, then look on the damper to see timing mark is on 0 on the tab. \then take off distributor cap , look to see if the # 1 spark plug aligns to the rotor.
Next time check for timing chain slop by popping the cap and turn the crank by hand back and forth to see how much it moves before the distributor moves. If you have slop, then it's probably jumped time.
That was a frustrating one for sure! I would have been tearing my hair out by now, but you hung in there and tried everything. I would bet it is the timing chain that may have jumped. You and Christina are fun and entertaining to watch. I can't believe some of these other cars you got running, actually ran, I was amazed. Great effort Richard and Christina!
Man, wish I'd run across something like this ! Love novas 62 - 73 ! 👍🏻
Nothing like a Nova!
That's a real nice car I would want it back on the road to good job
Well done Richard, I am sure you would figure it out with time. It is frustrating but when you have time constraints, you can't just sleep on it. I am sure every mechanic has these moments! 👍
Hi, I like your videos for 2 reasons. 1 - your commentary, explanations & interaction with C. As a child of the 50's, I don't remember a lot of this stuff! 2 - the camera work. It is not a camera set up on a tripod with a stationary view. Much appreciated actually seeing what you're doing & talking about. Great stuff guys, thanks.
Thank you for the feedback John. Much appreciated!
Richard and Christina…just watched the Nova video and after looking through most of the comments, I lean toward timing issues. However, you have been around long enough to know that most any electrical part can go south on you if you blink too hard.
Take a deep breath and remember, it is mechanical and can be fixed. Pull the carb and replace with new unit. In the process check and replace all vacumn lines and gaskets….all of them ! Now pull the valve covers make sure no rods are bent…you know the drill. Do a compression check…install new plugs. Now the distributor…either install a new HEI or points distributor. Check all wiring connections and inspect for bare spots from header burns or rodents dining. Replace plug wires. Lets assume new ignition system is installed and you have great spark…rotate the engine until timing marks are aligned per spec.
With the key on and number one plug wire set for arc jump, slowly move the distributor until you see spark jump. It is at this point the engine is in time with the crank marks. If you don’t get spark or you need to rotate close to the next wire position, it has chain issues. A Nova that age should have chain replaced or go to gear drive. Go back with a trunk full of parts and tools. Pitch your tent and fix it.
Awesome comment Richard. I agree. I had thought about swapping the chain, but getting the cover back on is super tough without dropping the pan. I didn't want to get into that, but I could on the next visit.
@@whattherust Hi… I mentioned the method of setting timing which for some reason sounds strange to some folks out here. It is by the way, the method Ferrari used to time their engines and it works every time.
While I have you, what is happening to the budget build Chev ? I do hope you forget that patina crap and instead do a roller applied rustoleum paint job. Wet sand and polish. That makes a better budget ride than something with rust everywhere. I dont have a daughter but if a guy pulled in my drive with a rust bucket, he would need to find a new date. Take the Chev to where a younger person would go with their car. You two are fun to watch. Stay safe !
@@richardgabel33 Hi Richard. We are thinking of a quickie paint job instead of the patina protector. It is a lot more work, but I agree it will look a lot better. Perhaps a satin white?
I was working on a lawn mower and it was doing like the Nova it had a stuck valve it's either that or has jumped time get the piston TDC check your timing Mark and location of your rotary button, also check your plugs, I had a engine that would run for a minute and quit changed plugs and ran great,l love y'all have a blessed day
@@richardbonazzoli58 Hi guys…I took the budget build as a show and tell sort of project. There are enough people that can start an old engine. The catch is to make it sound and reliable. Think of this as your own first car and your budget is limited. Mentally be that kid who got his first car and wants it to be cool. My first car was a 1957 Cadillac Coup DeVille with blue paint. I touched up chips with spot putty filler, sanded then hit that area with rattle can primer. It finally looked crappy with all the primer so my budget choice was Earl Shieb $29.95 diamond flake blue. I did ALL the taping and took it to the paint shop. Back then if it wasn’t taped, it got painted. A few days later I went to get my car. It was sitting in the window of their showroom. It had one small run but that is what you got back then. I have helped others paint cars since then. Since Christine fixed the interior, I thought doing a cheap roller or spray paint job would be in order. Have fun and stay safe.
At 2:00 it is a SS hood install on a standard Nova, just saying! love all your video and thanks for sharing team WTR 👍
Thanks for the support Dany!
Great job, any time you put into these machines is priceless. Not a fail, we just need to figure it out, I'm in it for Life brother.
I had a friend of mine who was a mechanic in his younger days and also drag raced, winning multiple trophies. He referred to the Quadrajets as “Quadrajunks” but said they were easy to fix. Just remove the carb, throw it into the junk pile and run down to the parts store a buy a Holly to fit your rig. Install the Holly and drive away.
You should done a finger compression test when you had the plugs out
Sounds like the carburetors clogged
Check the damn the carburetor is called
Did you check the carburetor see if it's getting gas to it might have to take the carburetor
When they backfire through the carb. Sometimes it blows the pump diaphragm. An it won't let one run for very long. I have ran into this many times with 4 barrel carbs. Especially if they are the older ones that have been setting a long time. So now, when i get one of the older holleys, carters, quadrajet, etc.. I take them a part an clean them out as good as i can. An if they look really bad I'll throw in a rebuild kit. Just so, i know that all the inside components are all new an functioning properly. You know all we need to make anything run is; gas, fire, an oil. 😁👍
My coworker owns a chevy nova like this. It was awesome he cleaned it well and during the winter he's working on it to have it run again
I just got rid of my 72 Nova a few months ago. I miss it. I traded it even up for a 68 Firebird.
My sense is because it did start fairly easily, but would not run on throttle. It seems to idle until you open the throttle. I think the carb is clogged or you got a vaccum leak you have not found. Maybe the carb is clogged and the brake boost hose is sucking air. Or pull the valve covers for stuck valve after you check the carb and vacuum leak. My 2 cents
First I would pull the valve covers off and check valve lifters and next cam. Timing more than likely jumped.
I like your channel because it always look genuine and honest. I love this one because you left it all in and asked for help. I sure hope you can get back to it and finish the deal. We've all been there, sometimes you just got to walk away for a while....
Thanks Marty. We keep it real, win or lose. This one certainly was frustrating.
I can't an Indiana car isn't completely rotted out. She must have been a well-kept, garage queen most her life. I had 3 Novas when I was a young man. I'd love to have one more before I pass from this world. So many memories of building my first 383 stroker engine. You two are such a breath of fresh air. It is not a failure; it is a chance to learn Richard.
I used to have a '68 Nova with the straight six engine. I bought it as a complete rust bucket as it had been backed into the Gulf. I wanted a cheap car to drive back and forth to work so I wasn't too concerned about the back end being nearly all fiberglass (I did all of the work myself on weekends and holidays and drove the car daily). I drove it daily, an hour each way. When the engine started acting a little too tired, I traded it in for a "May Go Bang" (some people called them Pintos). For a car that I only paid less than $400 for, I really enjoyed that old Nova. The Pinto? I drove it for several years and even had water injection on it for a while which shot the fuel economy over 30 mpg. I had the safety recall parts on it and I did actually get rear ended once....no boom, though. After four years I traded it in for an old '61 Ford pickup which I drove until it just wouldn't go any farther. I love old cars and trucks!
@@richardcline1337 Are we related, or something?
@@mattbrown5511, not that I'm aware of. Why?
@@richardcline1337 I was joking.
Good catch on the vacuum leak, Christina!
You guys are great great team
I really enjoy your program
Keep up the great work
Thank you. Your words and support are appreciated.
I see this is the same guy that you did the last video with. Always a joy to watch you and the lovely Christina at work. 👍🇨🇦
My friend...I don't believe: you quickly with Chevy Nova; your wife have the idea... the carburetor supsion air, because your start the Carr on,but fall because in carburator sistema is aire entrance...Go to back and run Chevy Nova, your the best.
Don't we all know about the frustration of not knowing just exactly what is wrong. Sometimes it just takes a different day, and a fresh start from scratch and replace parts with known good parts. We've all been there, don't give up on it. Seems to be timing to my ears. Try it again, we'll be watching!
I agree! We don't get much sleep when we're on the road and we were exhausted by day three. He's a smart cookie but we all need rest to stay sharp. You completely called it! Thanks for watching much appreciated.
Don't give up! You will get it!
It happens. Thanks Richard for the effort. Your the best at this. I think like you the timing may have jumped.
This one probably had issues when parked so . . . Check compression, Rebuild the carb.. pull the intake, check the valves, rocker assembly, push rods. Might as well pull the heads too. inspect for cracks. I did hear a tick as if a push rod(s) is bent or a issue with a rocker arm.
I just found your videos. I love your style of work. Thanks.
Welcome to the channel. We are glad to have you on board!
It has definitely jumped timing I reckon it has jumped one or two teeth great video ❤
Does seem like it jumped time but I also seen stuck valve or valves do that you should of took valve covers off and rolled the motor over and watch to see if one or more wasn't moving
I once had this same issue with my Nova and after much frustration the issue was simply the coil wire! Be sure and check it.
We are missing his extra pep he usually has during these videos lol. Great car though!! Love novas
Well, Miss Christina did say they had been on the road for three days and were a bit tired. Add that to the frustration of an engine not doing anything twice and that would drain anybody's energy.
You have had lots of comments and it's worth checking those things mentioned. My Nova was made the sam week as this Nova but the VIN on the door and is in 8500 numbers away. Very cool!!!
Good to see you back on again I really enjoyed watching you get those cars
Ah, a 71 Nova! Back in 92-93, my neighbor and I found a crap 71 in Auto Trader, $300. We carted that heap home, got it running, bashed out all the glass, installed a roll cage, and dirt track raced it at the local 3/8 mile oval. Fun times.
I had a 75 Nova that I used in asphalt 1/4 circle track racing. It performed very well.
Multiple small things could be the issue. I would go back to HEI distributor until I get it running. Use the starter fluid instead of gas to reduce getting wet plugs. Pulling the plugs and replacing might be a route as well. I would be there all day too. Love the video
You are correct about Chevy starters, I had a 57 Bel-Air with a 283 and factory dual exhaust. The crossover pipe was near the starter and the starter lasted about 2 years and Chevy is also known to having cooked bushings in the A-frame
And just so you don't feel bad. I did the same thing on a chrysler V8 that would not start replaced the points the cap and everything but the rotor (it seemed to look ok) and guess what. Another fellow went out there and put a rotor button in it and it fired right up. After thinking about it it dawned on me that if i followed the procedure knowing how the igniton system worked I would have and should have found the trouble. We live and learn.
Put a timing light on it to find out if timing has jumped or timing chain is real loose(timing marks jump with light on it).
Run a compression check to see if valves stuck.
Put NEW plugs in it
you do good work, love you guys channel
Thanks for the support Tim!
Great video richard loved it thanks for the upload.
Hey beautiful couple! Man, if you don't know, I would never know whats wrong! But if I would try again, I would change the starter (had that experience before) and try to jump the ignition. Thank you both for the great video!
Thanks Gian! If I we back up to Indiana I will give it another try.
I think the color was called FIRETHORN.
Good to know. Thank you.
You guys were awesome on the 52 Chevy reworked interior wow
!!!
Thanks very much.
aside my reply to A Guy With Wood below, I'd also check if the engine block has good grounding. jump-grounding the distributor was a good idea already, but not enough. the grounding allows for the starter to run, but not for the sparks. I once switched a starter only to find out the grounding was rotten off... :)
also there is maybe a surpass for the resistor cable, engaged while one runs the starter. if that has failed you'll get a hard time finding a spark.
I too, noticed it won't accelerate once it ran, like the accelerator pump is shot. or clogged.
good luck with that machine, this lil chevy looks like it'll be shined up easily. whoever switched the hood also seemed to have switched the front fenders as well, they are all red. :)
(once I grabbed a front fender for my old Ford Taunus from the yard, and when I wanted to fix a small rust hole I found this fender had been repainted six times in different colours... like it was a traveling award? is that even a word?)
also, Christina is your angel on your shoulder sometimes, remembering things you wanted to check before first run. ;)
love the content Guys. I had a GM do that in the 70's it had jumped time, I may be wrong but it sure sounds like the one I worked on all those years ago. Has always Liked and shared. All my best.
Sounds to me the distributor is 180 out, usually when it pops up through the carb that's what that means.when you put the distributor back in it may have been 180 out.when you check the firing order make sure you're on top dead center on the compression stroke so when you pull the cap off the rotor should be pointing to number one then check firing order from there.the only way it can jump time is if the chain is worn really bad.also ,if that's a 307 in that then it could have a bad cam,they were known for that
Novas are one of my favorite cars I have motor mounts for a 1962 to 1967 box car novas they help when putting a V8 in
Good evening, that was a mystery running and then not running all at once, I would have changed the plugs before I went to a point distributor, timing might have been the factor, but there are ways to check that also by pulling the number one and see where your rotor is pointing, usually if the timing is out, it pops a little louder than what I seen. always start cheap with parts replacing. The fuel from the tail pipe told me that it was flooded so the plugs is my guess. And you went back with all the parts they changed before, so the problem is not new. Great video gets us thinking.
Hi rich and Chris
Wow that nova had me stress no wanting to start
But your still the best and proud of you
It stressed us out too! Thanks for the support!
Richard you have to try a nova revival 2.0, not just give up. Arrive armed with parts. Pull the valve covers and timing cover to see the issue. Start fresh, maybe put the car in a better work area. Take breaks and make it fun. Love the content, old cars can be humbling
Super easy to check your timing chain, remove the distributor cap turn your crank from left to right to see the play on the cam and distributor gear,. but by the sound of it you washed the cylinders ! and probably sticky valves in the guides.
I would check to see if the timing is lined up were the timing chain is it could be off and if it is off even by a little bit that could effect the starting process. I hope you get it figured out 👍🏿
I would put new plugs in it for sure and plug wires first, love watching your videos this is a tough one,
Thanks for the support Ronnie. I did swap wired when I installed the points distributor, but I didn't change the plugs.
Man I would love to have that Nova😊 big fan of novas
Smart, experienced, hard working- great cars, meh vide/audio ography. yall'ed grow like crazy with some fun lovin personality. Shame you're sitting at 25k, your effort is worth more.
Richard I think it skipped timing. Love your channel and I cant wait to see you start it up!
Sounds like carb problems you said secondaries was not working i would pull carb and rebuild hope you get the ole girl up and running again. I have a 72 Nova love your channel keep up the great content
Hello, Try checking that you get a spark from the points with the ignition on, It seems you lose spark when the starter disengages, Also be sure you got a good ground from the body to the engine, I bet that carb needs a clean too, It might pay you to replace the plugs aswell Richard, I've been caught out a few times with old plugs that look ok! Anyway I'm sure you'll get there with it)
I had a 71 Nova and it started spiting gas out of the top of the carb. and it ended up being the timing gear had a fiber coating and allowed it to jump time.
Hey Richard, I’m down south in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Love your channel
Could exhaust be plugged up on the nova.?
We definitely should've checked that.
Check for stuck valves and check the timing chain. Great content thanks 🙏 may God bless you and your family 🙏
Thank you very much Kenny.
I'd change Plugs Wires and put in a new distributor and that carburetor ,bring it up on number one with the ole finger trick. check all grounds on engine to the body. If that don't work Pull the timing cover and see if it jumped time. Great video Sir.
Hi, I have had a couple small block chev motors. I had the same problem. On mine it was a timing chain that had jumped a tooth... Not saying that is the problem..Love your videos.
Great videos ,thank you. My advise on this one:
Check compression
check ignition switch, may with key in start mode you have spark but with ignition "ON" you do not
Good call on the compression test. I should have done that. Thanks for watching!
Hard luck Richard, can`t win `em all. I was thinking in terms of the plug wires being on the wrong plugs but you checked that so there goes my idea up the chimney, never mind.
Hi love the program I am thinking of checking the valves and also the compression in the cylinders
That nova is so cool and seems to be in good condition for its age
It really is. With just a little bit of work this car could be back on the road.
Factory air and rubber matts?
Unheard of. No other power options either. Just steering and brakes. Very rare optioned car.
And a real nice example. Sounds like it jumped time. The one time it backfired a very well may have possibly jumped the chain.
Good to see your better half is back in action with you! Y'all are a great team.
Thanks for the support Gary.
Man, another Indiana car. I had a 72 Nova SS 350 4 spd posi trac 300 hp. It had the rubber floor mat and AC as well. I wish I'd never let it go. I got mine used in 1975. It had 49,000 miles on it 67,000 when I sold it 6 yrs later. Loved that car. If I'd known what it would be worth today I would still have it.
We really enjoy your content, good job. I agree with the other comments. Compression test it, and open it up to check the timing chain and under the vavle covers. The way its backfiring makes me think timing. Make sure number 1 cylinder is TDC on compression stroke with rotor pointing to it. Im sure its nothing you dont know how to handle. Good luck 👍
Good work and thanks for doing it
Another beautiful gem great condition carb issues richard float seemed like when you gave it gas it died further diagnostics definitely needed timing cover
Right Robert, carb and timing are the next steps.
These are the best ever GM made at that era ever
That nova is in good shape
Man I'm sorry that car was being a 🦃 can't win them all but still entertaining to watch I have my sight on a stuck lifter or one them is not comming up the way I could be wrong .love the channel still not going to change what what so ever
Hmmm, Start with taking valve covers off, crank it & see if all valve opens and close. #2 Bring number 1 piston up & check timing marks. #3 Change plugs and wires. (You already change dist) #4 Maybe rebuild carb or change power valve rubber boot in carb. That should get you going on the right track. Good Luck.
I'm looking at buying a one-owner 68 Nova no rusted-out floorboards or fenders usual surface rust from City since 2000 so can't wait to get it
Good luck with it! They are cool cars.
I was in my armchair the entire time being an online mechanic! I enjoy you showing your mistakes like the battery not being hooked up. I didn't see you bypass the key. Is it possible there's an ignition switch problem? That's my best (peanut gallery) guess. I've been asked to do a will it run on a 57 Tbird this coming weekend. Thank you guys for being fun and inspirational.
I would actually second that idea with the ignition switch. they can go bad with the contact to the ignition itself, and then the ignition won't get any electric juice while you engage the starter. older Beetles can have this problem, and the engine will start if you release the starter at the right moment.
you can find that out measuring the voltage while starting at either distributor or coil.
@@lotharrenz4621 It will be interesting to see the final result. In fact I'm glad it didn't get resolved in one video. I use the push button switches. I can never seem to resolve things with a meter.
@@aguywithwood9293 I'm looking forward to Richard finding out what's wrong. when one likes to fiddle with classic cars it never hurts to learn a trick or two more. :)
I think I kn ow what you mean. both methods take practise. and some push-button swicthes even give you voltage on a little display. :)
It's flooded. Most likely a new set of plugs (and maybe wires) would help. That carb is shot, has no accelerator pump action, and the main jets are likely clogged as well. Needs a rebuild or a new (or good used) Quadrajet. It's normal for a Q-jet to not have secondary action with the choke flap closed. Some carb work and a new set of plugs and wires (plus correct timing and point dwell) would most likely have it running. Good luck, Richard, and thanks for the cool vids!
Thanks for the tips! If I get up there again, the carb and plugs will be the first thing to be swapped.
@What the Rust? Yes Sir. I sure hope you get back and get her squared away!
thanks man good luck with it
You're welcome Fraser.
Possibly a stuck valve, possibly a carburetor issue especially since the secondaries weren't responding to the accelerator linkage. It's even possible the cam and the crank are out of time....not sure how that could happen, but its possible. I might pull the timing cover just to make sure the marks on the sprockets are aligning. I hope that helps....I'm not a mechanic, but I have some knowledge. This one was definitely stubborn to be sure! Thanks Richard and Christina for sharing!!
Thanks David. I think you are right about the cam timing. It was either installed wrong or the chain jumped.
I would start with a fresh cup of coffee...then take the valve covers off and inspect the valves, then the firing order (seems off) then the carburetor and new spark plugs for extra piece of mind...seems to me that the nova never seen a real mechanic...ever...love your videos men, cheers!
Sounds like it jumped time old chevy's can jump time, not very often,but still possible,❤LoveJim J&R mobile service and God Bless y'all and your critters
sometimes we are looking for an easy fix but other times a car needs a good overall tuneup to start with and along the way ckeck all the basics including spark plugs
Hey you guys I hope you get some more ideas from the watchers. When you do please go back to it and try again if it's not a big major problem which it very well may be. Or too expensive. I would try a different carb maybe. It's so strange that it ran relatively well for those short times. Has me stumped too Rich. Thank you guys so very much for the wonderful videos. I know it's so much work.
Hi Richie. I am receiving a lot of good ideas, and they all are around the carb, timing, and compression. I am considering a trip back there to try out the suggestions.
At 24:50, "You should be proud of me"..... Hon, if Richard were any more proud of you, he'd need rubber shirts as his chest would just keep getting bigger and bigger! He definitely struck gold with you....but you did pretty good as well. You two are so perfectly matched and so much fun to watch as you interact with each other. I also see that Richard went back to his old habit of forgetting the battery....LOL! I tend to believe that the engine has jumped time..maybe by just one link on the chain but it sure acts like it just can't quite "catch it's breath".
That's right Richard. I am thinking the same. Thanks for all the support!
Try TDC 180° for the distributor drop in facing number one cylinder.& Soak the cylinders in some transmission ATF transmission fluid to for AWhile before trying it again. And good luck on Richard.
I believe you possibly have a wiped out cam. Love your videos and knowledge. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the support Derrick.
Excellent video Christine :) , Richard :) also like Chevrolet Chevy 1 also 2 before the Chevrolet Nova made and like Nova too in 2 or 4 plus LS or SS models! One car in my Car Club I member to since 2011 also it a 1974 Chevrolet Nova SS 2 door also got 350 V8 motor 4 bolt main from truck also interesting part has Coulmn Shifter Manual 3 in tree from 1976 Chevrolet Pick Up also has stock steering wheel to , Power Brakes and Steering too also got 377 posi rear gears ! Guy had since early 2000 years rebuilt from parts car model and Cherry Red body plus Black Interior! Also never like headers to Richard, plus when see fuses wrap with tin foil not favorite to work and see some much wireing burn up on from fuses wrapped in tin foil !
it sounded the entire time like timing was off, but i have a suggestion. this has happened to me once where spark plug looked absolutely normal; used but ok. vehicle would not start. I took it out and had it tested and somewhere inside the plug it had broken connection, so would not spark at all. I didnt see that you tested all of them, but I would suggest checking spark on each plug or testing that the cables are good. I have always had a good ear for auto issues and this just sounds electrical, like somewhere on that motor its not getting spark. just sounded like something was not sparking or firing right, like firing order was wrong but you said you checked that. anyway, thats my two cents
It is something with the timing for sure. Chain jumped maybe but I am sure it is the timing.
Not the main issue but was the vac line to the brake booster plugged or open?
I think they checked that at the beginning because Christina asked him about it. There was a bolt in the line plugging it off.
Not a fail at all! Great video as always. I can’t say I have a whole lot of hands-on experience on these old rigs yet but I think the issue might be a blown head gasket. Had a similar issue on my 1954 Plymouth. Fired but wouldn’t start and couldn’t figure out the issue until we checked compression.
To add to that thought a compression issue might have prompted the owner of this beloved machine to finally park it. A well kept-for car like this probably wouldn’t be parked for something simple.