Let me start by saying this is not my car and I'm trying to fix it for a friend. It has been giving him problems for awhile in that it will not start sometimes when he goes out to use it for the first time of the day, and the majority of the time after he uses it for more than a five minute drive anywhere. The crazy thing is that it will start almost every time off of a jump start in these situations.
Here is what we've done so far:
1. Batteries checked for proper voltage and reliability.
2. Distributor is working properly.
3. Ignition switch checks out O.K.
4. It had an overheating problem. Replaced t-stat and radiator (radiator was leaking fluid from a large slit in the top of the plastic portion). No longer overheats.
I know it's getting spark, air, and fuel most of the time, but can't figure out what is wrong when it won't start. It doesn't make any sense to me why it would start off of a jump so if anyone could give me your thoughts, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for any/all help you can give. I would really like to help him get this thing on the road for good. He's heading off to college in a few weeks and could really use it for transportation. Again, thanks!
Here is what we've done so far:
1. Batteries checked for proper voltage and reliability.
2. Distributor is working properly.
3. Ignition switch checks out O.K.
4. It had an overheating problem. Replaced t-stat and radiator (radiator was leaking fluid from a large slit in the top of the plastic portion). No longer overheats.
I know it's getting spark, air, and fuel most of the time, but can't figure out what is wrong when it won't start. It doesn't make any sense to me why it would start off of a jump so if anyone could give me your thoughts, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for any/all help you can give. I would really like to help him get this thing on the road for good. He's heading off to college in a few weeks and could really use it for transportation. Again, thanks!