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1972 442 won't start

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Old July 13th, 2022, 06:34 PM
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1972 442 won't start

I have a 72 442 with a Rocket 350. Was running great till 2 weeks ago when it stated sputtering when I accelerated and then backfired a couple times. Took it out over The Weeknd for a short drive, stopped turned it off and now it will not start at all. Turns over just fine, spaying gas into the carb when trying to start and the filter on the gas line is good.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Pat
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Old July 13th, 2022, 06:59 PM
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You need to check for spark. What distributor are you running?
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Old July 13th, 2022, 07:04 PM
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Coil died?
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Old July 13th, 2022, 07:21 PM
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Timing chain??????
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Old July 13th, 2022, 09:30 PM
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Thanks everyone I will troubleshoot all above this weekend.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 05:57 AM
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We'd be able to provide you with more useful answers if you gave us more information about the car. The mind reading thing still isn't working. Is the car totally stock? Has it been modified at all? If so, exactly WHAT has been done to it? Induction? Ignition? Wiring? All of these can contribute to your starting problem.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 06:53 AM
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Fuel, air, spark
Suck, bang, blow


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Old July 14th, 2022, 02:39 PM
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It is all stock. 1972 442 Rocket 350.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 02:47 PM
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My bet timing chain gave up
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Old July 14th, 2022, 03:07 PM
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If still running points, check dwell and timing. It could also be a bad condenser.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 03:46 PM
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It cranks.
It has fuel.
Now check for spark.
If it has spark, check the timing (a timing light will work when you crank the engine, so long as you have spark).
If it doesn't have spark, figure out why.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 08:43 PM
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Has the car sat? How old is the fuel? I would start there. Of course check the spark. I am curious how old the gas is. Carburetor's sitting for a long time with today's fuel creates issues.
Just my two cents.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 08:47 PM
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Thanks, I drive it every weekend and I gas it it once a month.
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Old July 14th, 2022, 08:52 PM
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And, you said it’s completely stock….which means it has contact points ignition correct?
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Old July 16th, 2022, 06:05 PM
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All, thanks for all the help, turns out to be a broken coil wire! Runs great now.

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Old July 16th, 2022, 07:13 PM
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Glad you found it.
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