"Fun Times with my Festiva" NOT STARTING

[robbylockisme]

The situation is:
My 1988 Festiva Carby B3 had a leaky radiator. In the process of switching out the thermostat, I had to take out the distributor. The distributor popped out, without incident. When I put it back in, it appeared to have gone back in just fine as well. I put everything back together, and now my car just cranks and cranks, attempting to start, but not quite making it... Except for a few times where it'll turn over quite roughly and quickly stall out. I'm not exactly awesome at this, folks, so any help/advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Also, the two-pronged sensor at the bottom of the radiator.. What sensor is that? It looks to be broken on my car. ...


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[bhearts]

Maybe you didn't advance the alternator enough?

[dalebwilson]

At any time during the process did you remove the rotor button from the distributer?

[bravekozak]

If you pulled off any spark plug wires, then check your firing order.
The firing order for all Festivas is 1-3-4-2 reading counterclockwise.


Also, here is how to use the the search engine:
To find all the "won't start" threads, type those two words into the search box, along with the double quotes to keep the phrase together instead of looking for two separate words. Then, click on the magnifying glass icon.

Good luck.

[TominMO]

Maybe you didn't advance the distributor enough?

Fixed it for ya.

[bhearts]

Lol. No responses before 7.

[william]

^ check firing order and then set your distributor in the middle of adjustment. This should start it so you can time it with a light.

[Movin]

Whats the firing order for the alternator ?

[zoe60]

Whats the firing order for the alternator ?

Lol. Far enough so the hose is tight, but loose enough to avoid pinging! I've run my car with and without the sensor on the radiator and didn't notice any difference at all. Never figured out what it's function is. Newer Festy's don't have it.

[robbylockisme]

I didn't take any wires off, just the cap off the distributor. I think I may have touched the button with my greasy hands.

How does one "advance the distributor"?


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[robbylockisme]

Is there a certain way to put the distributor back on? I simply put it back in. It seemed a little crooked in there, so I loosened the bolts a bit, so now it's snug, but not crooked. I know I sound like a bonehead.



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[robbylockisme]

I've run my car with and without the sensor on the radiator and didn't notice any difference at all. Never figured out what it's function is. Newer Festy's don't have it.[/QUOTE]

Thanks! I don't know if it was broken or not when I removed it from my old radiator, but it was disconnected. I'll just leave it off!


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[robbylockisme]

If you pulled off any spark plug wires, then check your firing order.
The firing order for all Festivas is 1-3-4-2 reading counterclockwise.


Also, here is how to use the the search engine:
To find all the "won't start" threads, type those two words into the search box, along with the double quotes to keep the phrase together instead of looking for two separate words. Then, click on the magnifying glass icon.

Good luck.

I just took the cap off and left the wires on it. I also removed the whole distributor. Does it go back in a certain way?

I did properly use the search function. I just didn't see anything that properly defined the amount of boneheadedness on my part. [emoji17]


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[bravekozak]

You are supposed to get a marker and mark where the rotor is pointing before pulling it out. It is possible to put the distributor back in with the rotor pointing in the opposite direction. It's time to remove plug #1 and put your finger over the hole while someone jogs your engine, until you feel pressure. Then remove the cap and see if the rotor is pointing to the #1 plug wire. If not, then make it so.

[robbylockisme]

... Well I'll be.

A bonehead.


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