VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 1953 GMC Truck

This website is a great find!

I just joined the website and look forward to reading posts and helping out when I can.

Right now I have a question about my Dad's 1953 GMC truck. It has been in storage for about 20 years and a friend and I are trying to get it running. The engine is a straight 6 and we don't believe the engine is getting any spark. The coil seems to be good but don't know about the distributor. Could bad points and condenser be keeping the engine from starting? If the points need replacing how should they be adjusted? We thought about the resistor or voltage regulator but just don't want to play hit and miss by replacing a lot of parts.

I know I could just take the truck to a mechanic and have him get it running, but I prefer to learn about the antique cars I own and drive; its part of the fun.

Any help from anyone would be great and appreciated.
Thanks.

If you go to the 29-32 Forum and read the posts in "1932 engine, will not start" it will give you several things to check on an ignition system to determine if it is functioning properly or isolate the problem if not. It is a topic that has been discussed and reviewed many times on this site. Searching (not one of the best features on this site) can find other instances.

Yes.

Read the thread on my '50 under the electrical 6 volt forum... lots of points/coil/ distributor/ generator talk there!

Lets try the easy route first...use a small piece of 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper and slide it between your point contacts (both sides) while points are closed (and still in the distributor) slide it back and forth a few times...blow on it for luck and try turning it over again...works for me !

Of course sitting for 20 years there are other issues to think about..before firing up...did you change the oil ? (squirt some down the plug holes and rotate while plugs are still out) you'll need to examine what's in the gas tank (and radiator) and don't go driving off thinking your brakes might work fine...good luck ! Let us know Wha's up !

Make sure you use fresh, clean gas in a clean container. That varnish in the old gas will ruin that engine if it starts. Set the points with a matchbook cover on the high side of the lobe that turns inside the distributor. If you get spark and fuel it will start. You can replace parts and time it later, don't ruin it by starting it with old gas. You may get stuck valves and bent pushrods.

Right...a method I use for cleaning that varnish out of the tank is to remove the tank from vehicle...poor out old contents... remove sending unit...add a qt.of Acetone...slosh around a couple of minutes...dump in to bucket...repeat about three times...examine results...dispose of properly (the acetone...or the tank, lol)

Fleetline,

I suggest the following:

a. Go to the 37-42 forum and look at "Call me stupid..." It's about tune-ups. All the advice and information will apply to your vehicle, as well.

b. Take the vehicle outside.

c. Get a new set of points and plugs.

d. Squirt some WD-40 in the cylinders whilst the plugs are out.

e. Turn the engine over several times and then Install plugs and points.

f. Ease the carburetor apart and clean it up. Be careful. Be prepared to buy a kit. (For short term you may pour a small amount of raw gas in the carb. Be real careful and have a fire extinguisher handy. Again, make sure it is outside and away from anything that may catch fire. Do all this with a trustworthy and bright buddy.)

g. Gap the points until a time will fit in the gap when they are fully open.

h. Turn everything off but the ignition and use a 12 volt battery and crank it up. If it doesn't fire then its not getting gas, ignition or is out of time. Have your buddy hold a spark plug wire to check the ignition part. Beings he is smart you may have to call on another buddy. You know.

i. If its been sitting for 20 years, chances are that you will need a new gas tank. Installation is a piece of cake.

j. After you get it running, sell it. Get yourself a 41 Special Deluxe coupe. Grin.

Good luck,
Charlie

You will also need to check the block for rust stop-up and radiator for the same. A lot of stuff can go south whilst they are sitting around for a right good spell.

Very Good ! All except perhaps step "J". Not that a '41 Special Deluxe coupe isn't a fine automobile...but the style and availability of a '47 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe might better suit this young mans particularly fine taste...Grin