1965 Chevy C10 won't run?

Question

I just got a 1965 Chevy C10 with a 292 and a 3 speed. The motor was running and then it would stall and not fire at all. It turns out there was no spark, then there was and it started again and stalled. It seems to have selective spark. It has a new coil and ignition switch, it seems as though there is no power going to the coil. What is wrong with it? Which part died? What are possible ways to get it running?

Kermit · Accepted Answer

Have you taken a look at the points?  And condenser?  Power comes from ignition switch to coil then to points and condenser. I don't recall if that truck has a ballast resister to protect points from burning when in run.  The starter solenoid has a start terminal that has a wire that bypasses the ballast resister at start.  Have you checked dwell?
 Another thing is distributor condition.  How are the cam lobes?  How about shaft bearings?  Does the distributor shaft wobble?  Those are some things to check.

PatrickC · Answer

I agree with Kermit.  It's points man.  You can probably just set the dwell and it will run fine until the cam follower on the points wears out again.  Use a small dab of grease on the cam in the distributor and just set the gap for about .020".  Most Chevys have a trap door on the cap for an allen wrench to go through.  You set the dwell by twisting the adjustment until the engine runs smooth.

? · Answer

Here are some repairs that worked on Utube. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chevy+c10+won%27t+start&sm=12

1965 Chevy C10 won't run?

3 Answers