Will it run? A 1971 Chevy Nova in need of some help fast!

This Nova is awesome! It hasn't run since 2009, and when parked it was running terribly. Come along as we help our friend Gus get this old car going again.It is a great car, but will it start? Check us out on Facebook at profile.php?...
Use the code RUST50 for a discount on the Cre-Oil penetrating oil we use. creoil.com/discount/RUST50?re...
#whattherust #71 Nova #willitstart #oldcar #firstgennova

[@theroving1]

sounds like you need to go back to basics on this one Richard. Pull the plugs and the rocker cover, check number 1 piston at TDC, check all valves are still opening at the right point, do a compression test, if all that checks out then throw the distributors in the bin as there must be a reason it was swapped out in the first place, pull the carb and make sure nothing is blocking the inlet... Go back there on a day you feel fresh and Don't let it beat you..

[@johnpearson9819]

Hello

[@bigjohnson7415]

Yessir! Nailed it!

[@Jackman-pz5bh]

Yeah brother you can overcome the situations, i think you must go back to the beginning, check all the plugs and the distributor also failed go find the new one and replaced it,see how it will do.

[@glentucker4250]

Would definitely pull the valve covers to make sure all the valves are doing what they’re supposed to do. Then check out that timing chain. It might’ve jumped or it’s just that sloppy? I love your channel. You guys are great. I look forward to it every week. Thank you very much!

[@jaystax8370]

I was screaming Timing! Timing! Timing! throughout the whole cranking process

[@jameslester7253]

i had an olds cutlas that jumped tome when i turned the car off i had to put a timming chain in it before it would start do i woul try that and i bet it will run

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

@11:55 The secondaries aren’t opening because the choke is closed. The secondary lockout arm is applied until the choke opens.

[@artiedeko]

if the timing chain has a lot of slack from being excessively worn the timing will jump around..sometimes it will fire and then it won't. Always enjoy watching your videos! 👍

[@stevehenri4719]

Christine you a great mechanic helper. You encourage all the time! And yes we are all proud of what you are learning!❤

[@aprilolichwier7829]

My husband thinks it might help to change out the carburetor and the coil. We love your channel! ❤ You are an extremely smart auto mechanic. You and Christina work really well together! She is also very smart! We have learned a lot from your channel; at least I have. It’s fun to guess what caused each automobile to die, and what will revive it. Thanks for explaining everything you do to each vehicle. We love the old cars from the 60’s and the 70’s! We hope all your hard work is paying off!

[@GMCTIM]

Man, wish I'd run across something like this ! Love novas 62 - 73 ! 👍🏻

[@bigjohnson7415]

Nothing like a Nova!

[@ronaldvanhorn9558]

That was a frustrating one for sure! I would have been tearing my hair out by now, but you hung in there and tried everything. I would bet it is the timing chain that may have jumped. You and Christina are fun and entertaining to watch. I can't believe some of these other cars you got running, actually ran, I was amazed. Great effort Richard and Christina!

[@andywalliams]

Well done Richard, I am sure you would figure it out with time. It is frustrating but when you have time constraints, you can't just sleep on it. I am sure every mechanic has these moments! 👍

[@christopherohara9421]

You should done a finger compression test when you had the plugs out

[@lancehigdon8683]

Sounds like the carburetors clogged

[@lancehigdon8683]

Check the damn the carburetor is called

[@lancehigdon8683]

Did you check the carburetor see if it's getting gas to it might have to take the carburetor

[@Baddog6873]

Next time check for timing chain slop by popping the cap and turn the crank by hand back and forth to see how much it moves before the distributor moves. If you have slop, then it's probably jumped time.

[@russelgild2356]

Wow love your content...the nova did give you a hard time however you are a man that does not give up and that is why we love your channel. Keep the great content coming.

[@matthewpiper1421]

Love your channel, greetings from texas

[@nicholasyoder]

I just got rid of my 72 Nova a few months ago. I miss it. I traded it even up for a 68 Firebird.

[@DennisMurphey]

My sense is because it did start fairly easily, but would not run on throttle. It seems to idle until you open the throttle. I think the carb is clogged or you got a vaccum leak you have not found. Maybe the carb is clogged and the brake boost hose is sucking air. Or pull the valve covers for stuck valve after you check the carb and vacuum leak. My 2 cents

[@hendosexperience4703]

Great job, any time you put into these machines is priceless. Not a fail, we just need to figure it out, I'm in it for Life brother.

[@user-fr3cv1kl5x]

Hi, I like your videos for 2 reasons. 1 - your commentary, explanations & interaction with C. As a child of the 50's, I don't remember a lot of this stuff! 2 - the camera work. It is not a camera set up on a tripod with a stationary view. Much appreciated actually seeing what you're doing & talking about. Great stuff guys, thanks.

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the feedback John. Much appreciated!

[@user-mm7xr8if1u]

Ah, a 71 Nova! Back in 92-93, my neighbor and I found a crap 71 in Auto Trader, $300. We carted that heap home, got it running, bashed out all the glass, installed a roll cage, and dirt track raced it at the local 3/8 mile oval. Fun times.

[@whattherust]

I had a 75 Nova that I used in asphalt 1/4 circle track racing. It performed very well.

[@dalehartley-vd9qo]

That's a real nice car I would want it back on the road to good job

[@danobrien3109]

I see this is the same guy that you did the last video with. Always a joy to watch you and the lovely Christina at work. 👍🇨🇦

[@luisdominguez-velez455]

My friend...I don't believe: you quickly with Chevy Nova; your wife have the idea... the carburetor supsion air, because your start the Carr on,but fall because in carburator sistema is aire entrance...Go to back and run Chevy Nova, your the best.

[@Dany-oj2jv]

At 2:00 it is a SS hood install on a standard Nova, just saying! love all your video and thanks for sharing team WTR 👍

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support Dany!

[@ricgross5815]

Don't we all know about the frustration of not knowing just exactly what is wrong. Sometimes it just takes a different day, and a fresh start from scratch and replace parts with known good parts. We've all been there, don't give up on it. Seems to be timing to my ears. Try it again, we'll be watching!

[@christinarust6957]

I agree! We don't get much sleep when we're on the road and we were exhausted by day three. He's a smart cookie but we all need rest to stay sharp. You completely called it! Thanks for watching much appreciated.

[@jimmiebrown5014]

Good to see you back on again I really enjoyed watching you get those cars

[@richardperkins6132]

When they backfire through the carb. Sometimes it blows the pump diaphragm. An it won't let one run for very long. I have ran into this many times with 4 barrel carbs. Especially if they are the older ones that have been setting a long time. So now, when i get one of the older holleys, carters, quadrajet, etc.. I take them a part an clean them out as good as i can. An if they look really bad I'll throw in a rebuild kit. Just so, i know that all the inside components are all new an functioning properly. You know all we need to make anything run is; gas, fire, an oil. 😁👍

[@johnweeks5614]

Does seem like it jumped time but I also seen stuck valve or valves do that you should of took valve covers off and rolled the motor over and watch to see if one or more wasn't moving

[@jimviner642]

Good catch on the vacuum leak, Christina!

[@enriquegilmour]

My dad gave me his 71 Nova when I was 17. It was a factory 3 speed in the floor, 307 c.i. motor, blue in color, no AC, no vinyl roof. I didnt appreciate it at the time and traded it for a 79 Trans Am with a built motor that I wrecked.

[@timothyhatcher8673]

It has definitely jumped timing I reckon it has jumped one or two teeth great video ❤

[@richardgabel33]

Richard and Christina…just watched the Nova video and after looking through most of the comments, I lean toward timing issues. However, you have been around long enough to know that most any electrical part can go south on you if you blink too hard. Take a deep breath and remember, it is mechanical and can be fixed. Pull the carb and replace with new unit. In the process check and replace all vacumn lines and gaskets….all of them ! Now pull the valve covers make sure no rods are bent…you know the drill. Do a compression check…install new plugs. Now the distributor…either install a new HEI or points distributor. Check all wiring connections and inspect for bare spots from header burns or rodents dining. Replace plug wires. Lets assume new ignition system is installed and you have great spark…rotate the engine until timing marks are aligned per spec. With the key on and number one plug wire set for arc jump, slowly move the distributor until you see spark jump. It is at this point the engine is in time with the crank marks. If you don’t get spark or you need to rotate close to the next wire position, it has chain issues. A Nova that age should have chain replaced or go to gear drive. Go back with a trunk full of parts and tools. Pitch your tent and fix it.

[@whattherust]

Awesome comment Richard. I agree. I had thought about swapping the chain, but getting the cover back on is super tough without dropping the pan. I didn't want to get into that, but I could on the next visit.

[@richardgabel33]

@@whattherust Hi… I mentioned the method of setting timing which for some reason sounds strange to some folks out here. It is by the way, the method Ferrari used to time their engines and it works every time. While I have you, what is happening to the budget build Chev ? I do hope you forget that patina crap and instead do a roller applied rustoleum paint job. Wet sand and polish. That makes a better budget ride than something with rust everywhere. I dont have a daughter but if a guy pulled in my drive with a rust bucket, he would need to find a new date. Take the Chev to where a younger person would go with their car. You two are fun to watch. Stay safe !

[@richardbonazzoli58]

@@richardgabel33 Hi Richard. We are thinking of a quickie paint job instead of the patina protector. It is a lot more work, but I agree it will look a lot better. Perhaps a satin white?

[@wayneduffey3227]

I was working on a lawn mower and it was doing like the Nova it had a stuck valve it's either that or has jumped time get the piston TDC check your timing Mark and location of your rotary button, also check your plugs, I had a engine that would run for a minute and quit changed plugs and ran great,l love y'all have a blessed day

[@richardgabel33]

@@richardbonazzoli58 Hi guys…I took the budget build as a show and tell sort of project. There are enough people that can start an old engine. The catch is to make it sound and reliable. Think of this as your own first car and your budget is limited. Mentally be that kid who got his first car and wants it to be cool. My first car was a 1957 Cadillac Coup DeVille with blue paint. I touched up chips with spot putty filler, sanded then hit that area with rattle can primer. It finally looked crappy with all the primer so my budget choice was Earl Shieb $29.95 diamond flake blue. I did ALL the taping and took it to the paint shop. Back then if it wasn’t taped, it got painted. A few days later I went to get my car. It was sitting in the window of their showroom. It had one small run but that is what you got back then. I have helped others paint cars since then. Since Christine fixed the interior, I thought doing a cheap roller or spray paint job would be in order. Have fun and stay safe.

[@mattbrown5511]

I can't an Indiana car isn't completely rotted out. She must have been a well-kept, garage queen most her life. I had 3 Novas when I was a young man. I'd love to have one more before I pass from this world. So many memories of building my first 383 stroker engine. You two are such a breath of fresh air. It is not a failure; it is a chance to learn Richard.

[@richardcline1337]

I used to have a '68 Nova with the straight six engine. I bought it as a complete rust bucket as it had been backed into the Gulf. I wanted a cheap car to drive back and forth to work so I wasn't too concerned about the back end being nearly all fiberglass (I did all of the work myself on weekends and holidays and drove the car daily). I drove it daily, an hour each way. When the engine started acting a little too tired, I traded it in for a "May Go Bang" (some people called them Pintos). For a car that I only paid less than $400 for, I really enjoyed that old Nova. The Pinto? I drove it for several years and even had water injection on it for a while which shot the fuel economy over 30 mpg. I had the safety recall parts on it and I did actually get rear ended once....no boom, though. After four years I traded it in for an old '61 Ford pickup which I drove until it just wouldn't go any farther. I love old cars and trucks!

[@mattbrown5511]

@@richardcline1337 Are we related, or something?

[@richardcline1337]

@@mattbrown5511, not that I'm aware of. Why?

[@mattbrown5511]

@@richardcline1337 I was joking.

[@Falconurbex]

Great video richard loved it thanks for the upload.

[@christopherohara9421]

I spy a 68 or 67 Camaro next to the nova

[@deej7783]

We are missing his extra pep he usually has during these videos lol. Great car though!! Love novas

[@richardcline1337]

Well, Miss Christina did say they had been on the road for three days and were a bit tired. Add that to the frustration of an engine not doing anything twice and that would drain anybody's energy.

[@tectalabyss]

love the content Guys. I had a GM do that in the 70's it had jumped time, I may be wrong but it sure sounds like the one I worked on all those years ago. Has always Liked and shared. All my best.

[@billthompson5634]

Richard you have to try a nova revival 2.0, not just give up. Arrive armed with parts. Pull the valve covers and timing cover to see the issue. Start fresh, maybe put the car in a better work area. Take breaks and make it fun. Love the content, old cars can be humbling

[@seanctaylor5511]

I would check to see if the timing is lined up were the timing chain is it could be off and if it is off even by a little bit that could effect the starting process. I hope you get it figured out 👍🏿

[@jonathanlitz2018]

My coworker owns a chevy nova like this. It was awesome he cleaned it well and during the winter he's working on it to have it run again

[@Dinkymaster7]

Very nice and always good content on this channel! Best regards from Norway

[@XxshamwowloverXx]

Good work and thanks for doing it

[@MrPosey85]

Multiple small things could be the issue. I would go back to HEI distributor until I get it running. Use the starter fluid instead of gas to reduce getting wet plugs. Pulling the plugs and replacing might be a route as well. I would be there all day too. Love the video

[@nathanielrandle507]

Y’all do some great work guys. Keep up the great work.

[@whattherust]

Thank you very much.

[@TheGhostMan7]

You guys are great great team I really enjoy your program Keep up the great work

[@christinarust6957]

Thank you. Your words and support are appreciated.

[@tombob671]

You are correct about Chevy starters, I had a 57 Bel-Air with a 283 and factory dual exhaust. The crossover pipe was near the starter and the starter lasted about 2 years and Chevy is also known to having cooked bushings in the A-frame

[@themoondoggie1]

This one probably had issues when parked so . . . Check compression, Rebuild the carb.. pull the intake, check the valves, rocker assembly, push rods. Might as well pull the heads too. inspect for cracks. I did hear a tick as if a push rod(s) is bent or a issue with a rocker arm.

[@edwardrios749]

It is the timing,it needs to be replaced!! It jumped timing! You did everything else! Only thing left! New carb. Kit ! Check gound!

[@terryeustice5399]

It happens. Thanks Richard for the effort. Your the best at this. I think like you the timing may have jumped.

[@TheGreatOne16439]

I once had this same issue with my Nova and after much frustration the issue was simply the coil wire! Be sure and check it.

[@martywallace2247]

I like your channel because it always look genuine and honest. I love this one because you left it all in and asked for help. I sure hope you can get back to it and finish the deal. We've all been there, sometimes you just got to walk away for a while....

[@whattherust]

Thanks Marty. We keep it real, win or lose. This one certainly was frustrating.

[@lotharrenz4621]

aside my reply to A Guy With Wood below, I'd also check if the engine block has good grounding. jump-grounding the distributor was a good idea already, but not enough. the grounding allows for the starter to run, but not for the sparks. I once switched a starter only to find out the grounding was rotten off... :) also there is maybe a surpass for the resistor cable, engaged while one runs the starter. if that has failed you'll get a hard time finding a spark. I too, noticed it won't accelerate once it ran, like the accelerator pump is shot. or clogged. good luck with that machine, this lil chevy looks like it'll be shined up easily. whoever switched the hood also seemed to have switched the front fenders as well, they are all red. :) (once I grabbed a front fender for my old Ford Taunus from the yard, and when I wanted to fix a small rust hole I found this fender had been repainted six times in different colours... like it was a traveling award? is that even a word?) also, Christina is your angel on your shoulder sometimes, remembering things you wanted to check before first run. ;)

[@TheGhostMan7]

Hi rich and Chris Wow that nova had me stress no wanting to start But your still the best and proud of you

[@whattherust]

It stressed us out too! Thanks for the support!

[@dominickserignese8837]

Don't give up! You will get it!

[@richardsherman2192]

I’d say jump time needs a new time in chain

[@martin10172]

Hello, Try checking that you get a spark from the points with the ignition on, It seems you lose spark when the starter disengages, Also be sure you got a good ground from the body to the engine, I bet that carb needs a clean too, It might pay you to replace the plugs aswell Richard, I've been caught out a few times with old plugs that look ok! Anyway I'm sure you'll get there with it)

[@erictate8986]

Richard and Christina Hello Friends, I would definitely check all the basics again to make sure , it did not jump timing , and also I would sort out the problems with that carburetor as well or replace it with another carburetor, and Definitely pull those valve covers to see what's going on with that valve train ,to make should it's in good health and I think you said you checked all the spark plug wires to verify they are good ?? So take a break from the Chevrolet Nova Friend to clear your head because you are a excellent mechanic, and go right back to that car again and Christina is smart as well ,and God Bless both of you ,because I know 💯 that you will get this awesome Chevrolet Nova running strong again ok 🇺🇸🇺🇸😃😃💪💪💪👍👍👍👍

[@whattherust]

Thank you very much Eric. Very good advice. I did change the plug wires when I swapped distributors. Thanks for the support!

[@TheGhostMan7]

You guys were awesome on the 52 Chevy reworked interior wow !!!

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much.

[@achecase]

Smart, experienced, hard working- great cars, meh vide/audio ography. yall'ed grow like crazy with some fun lovin personality. Shame you're sitting at 25k, your effort is worth more.

[@Nova.1971]

You have had lots of comments and it's worth checking those things mentioned. My Nova was made the sam week as this Nova but the VIN on the door and is in 8500 numbers away. Very cool!!!

[@Jabberwocky4k]

Carburetor fuel/air mixture adjustments. I really enjoy your videos by the way.

[@jamesmallinger9555]

Sounds like it jumped time old chevy's can jump time, not very often,but still possible,❤LoveJim J&R mobile service and God Bless y'all and your critters

[@timmoye5706]

Put a timing light on it to find out if timing has jumped or timing chain is real loose(timing marks jump with light on it). Run a compression check to see if valves stuck. Put NEW plugs in it you do good work, love you guys channel

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support Tim!

[@garyalleccia2793]

Factory air and rubber matts? Unheard of. No other power options either. Just steering and brakes. Very rare optioned car. And a real nice example. Sounds like it jumped time. The one time it backfired a very well may have possibly jumped the chain. Good to see your better half is back in action with you! Y'all are a great team.

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support Gary.

[@timrobinson3972]

Man I would love to have that Nova😊 big fan of novas

[@giancarlopbranco]

Hey beautiful couple! Man, if you don't know, I would never know whats wrong! But if I would try again, I would change the starter (had that experience before) and try to jump the ignition. Thank you both for the great video!

[@whattherust]

Thanks Gian! If I we back up to Indiana I will give it another try.

[@billywird]

And just so you don't feel bad. I did the same thing on a chrysler V8 that would not start replaced the points the cap and everything but the rotor (it seemed to look ok) and guess what. Another fellow went out there and put a rotor button in it and it fired right up. After thinking about it it dawned on me that if i followed the procedure knowing how the igniton system worked I would have and should have found the trouble. We live and learn.

[@fraserobrien3828]

thanks man good luck with it

[@whattherust]

You're welcome Fraser.

[@williamcole464]

I have had good luck with adding a couple of degrees of advance to the base timing on older engines with sloppy timing chains. It worked wonders on my old 318 mopar much better than with out. Drove better

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the tip William.

[@mcwells48]

Richard I think it skipped timing. Love your channel and I cant wait to see you start it up!

[@jeffrg8293]

We really enjoy your content, good job. I agree with the other comments. Compression test it, and open it up to check the timing chain and under the vavle covers. The way its backfiring makes me think timing. Make sure number 1 cylinder is TDC on compression stroke with rotor pointing to it. Im sure its nothing you dont know how to handle. Good luck 👍

[@markwilliams5606]

71 Chevy Nova! Save this Car! 🇺🇸🏁👍

[@NovaBill6264]

Novas are one of my favorite cars I have motor mounts for a 1962 to 1967 box car novas they help when putting a V8 in

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!!!!!!! 👍👍

[@realliferepair9285]

Sounds to me the distributor is 180 out, usually when it pops up through the carb that's what that means.when you put the distributor back in it may have been 180 out.when you check the firing order make sure you're on top dead center on the compression stroke so when you pull the cap off the rotor should be pointing to number one then check firing order from there.the only way it can jump time is if the chain is worn really bad.also ,if that's a 307 in that then it could have a bad cam,they were known for that

[@makinapersempre]

nice horn :) thx

[@tannerlawson1721]

Man I'm sorry that car was being a 🦃 can't win them all but still entertaining to watch I have my sight on a stuck lifter or one them is not comming up the way I could be wrong .love the channel still not going to change what what so ever

[@davidkirby8440]

Sounds like carb problems you said secondaries was not working i would pull carb and rebuild hope you get the ole girl up and running again. I have a 72 Nova love your channel keep up the great content

[@Mountainmanfishing]

I'd change Plugs Wires and put in a new distributor and that carburetor ,bring it up on number one with the ole finger trick. check all grounds on engine to the body. If that don't work Pull the timing cover and see if it jumped time. Great video Sir.

[@christianchenard4319]

Not a fail at all! Great video as always. I can’t say I have a whole lot of hands-on experience on these old rigs yet but I think the issue might be a blown head gasket. Had a similar issue on my 1954 Plymouth. Fired but wouldn’t start and couldn’t figure out the issue until we checked compression.

[@christianchenard4319]

To add to that thought a compression issue might have prompted the owner of this beloved machine to finally park it. A well kept-for car like this probably wouldn’t be parked for something simple.

[@ervinjohnson8]

Good evening, that was a mystery running and then not running all at once, I would have changed the plugs before I went to a point distributor, timing might have been the factor, but there are ways to check that also by pulling the number one and see where your rotor is pointing, usually if the timing is out, it pops a little louder than what I seen. always start cheap with parts replacing. The fuel from the tail pipe told me that it was flooded so the plugs is my guess. And you went back with all the parts they changed before, so the problem is not new. Great video gets us thinking.

[@aguywithwood9293]

I was in my armchair the entire time being an online mechanic! I enjoy you showing your mistakes like the battery not being hooked up. I didn't see you bypass the key. Is it possible there's an ignition switch problem? That's my best (peanut gallery) guess. I've been asked to do a will it run on a 57 Tbird this coming weekend. Thank you guys for being fun and inspirational.

[@lotharrenz4621]

I would actually second that idea with the ignition switch. they can go bad with the contact to the ignition itself, and then the ignition won't get any electric juice while you engage the starter. older Beetles can have this problem, and the engine will start if you release the starter at the right moment. you can find that out measuring the voltage while starting at either distributor or coil.

[@aguywithwood9293]

@@lotharrenz4621 It will be interesting to see the final result. In fact I'm glad it didn't get resolved in one video. I use the push button switches. I can never seem to resolve things with a meter.

[@lotharrenz4621]

@@aguywithwood9293 I'm looking forward to Richard finding out what's wrong. when one likes to fiddle with classic cars it never hurts to learn a trick or two more. :) I think I kn ow what you mean. both methods take practise. and some push-button swicthes even give you voltage on a little display. :)

[@chrisland169]

Super easy to check your timing chain, remove the distributor cap turn your crank from left to right to see the play on the cam and distributor gear,. but by the sound of it you washed the cylinders ! and probably sticky valves in the guides.

[@Eldude350]

Bump # 1 piston to top dead center, then look on the damper to see timing mark is on 0 on the tab. \then take off distributor cap , look to see if the # 1 spark plug aligns to the rotor.

[@scottnyc6572]

My grandma had a ‘71 orange Nova just like that.

[@bigbrotherkenny]

Check for stuck valves and check the timing chain. Great content thanks 🙏 may God bless you and your family 🙏

[@whattherust]

Thank you very much Kenny.

[@derrickedwardsu430]

I believe you possibly have a wiped out cam. Love your videos and knowledge. Keep up the good work.

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support Derrick.

[@larrywood1201]

CKECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE GETTING 12 VOLTS AFTER START SOMETIMES GOES BACK TO NINE VOLTS AFTER START CYCLE

[@dwaynea8177]

Hi, I have had a couple small block chev motors. I had the same problem. On mine it was a timing chain that had jumped a tooth... Not saying that is the problem..Love your videos.

[@ronaldgallihugh9456]

That is a kick ass car

[@8THIRTEEN]

nice i luv those novas ✔✔❤❤

[@dennisfothergill4794]

Would definitely inspect the timing chain and associated components.

[@johnhicks735]

There's some ideas & things to check over on it. I'd get some banana cables to add on to your test light to connect together.& Slide the rubber sleeve over together as one cable.& Tape around it to secure the grounding cable on the body grounding part of it when testing for power sources to. One more thing try taking banana jumper cable connectors to connect from one end of the body fusible link to make full contact then try starting it up again. If not it's most likely the timing chain stretched out.& Jumped time. Replacing the timing chain & putting it back on TDC/ top dead center then dropping then dropping the distributor back in on number 1 / one cylinder should put it back in time if the camshaft is still good in the engine still. That going to require removal of the timing chain cover.& New gaskets for water pump& timing cover.& Inter seal inside of the timing cover to most likely remember to lubricate that seal to before reinstalling it on over the camshaft area to.

[@knightjester7947]

it sounded the entire time like timing was off, but i have a suggestion. this has happened to me once where spark plug looked absolutely normal; used but ok. vehicle would not start. I took it out and had it tested and somewhere inside the plug it had broken connection, so would not spark at all. I didnt see that you tested all of them, but I would suggest checking spark on each plug or testing that the cables are good. I have always had a good ear for auto issues and this just sounds electrical, like somewhere on that motor its not getting spark. just sounded like something was not sparking or firing right, like firing order was wrong but you said you checked that. anyway, thats my two cents

[@marcosathens8140]

Hmmm, Start with taking valve covers off, crank it & see if all valve opens and close. #2 Bring number 1 piston up & check timing marks. #3 Change plugs and wires. (You already change dist) #4 Maybe rebuild carb or change power valve rubber boot in carb. That should get you going on the right track. Good Luck.

[@robertmcmurray3797]

I had a 71 Nova and it started spiting gas out of the top of the carb. and it ended up being the timing gear had a fiber coating and allowed it to jump time.

[@philipcollins5440]

Hang in there, we wood like to 👀 success on every video, but U can't win each time😮😢 we want more videos😊

[@manuelalier2776]

Yes it did jump time and The coiling mission on the distributor needs to be clock time again

[@robertnovotny4588]

First I would pull the valve covers off and check valve lifters and next cam. Timing more than likely jumped.

[@barrywgoodwin3923]

I had watched Dylan Maccool work on an old car, which had been sitting for a long time. The same thing you are experiencing, he had done the plugs and had put oil down the cylinders before he tried to start it. It started right up, and it ran for a while, so after a bit he shut it down, and that was it, no more start, backfiring through the carb and wanting to go but wouldn't. The car lost compression. The reason it started the first time was the oil, and he was able to make it run for a while. Once she cooled down that was it till he checked compression and it was low, very low. Just a thought for you.

[@whattherust]

Thanks Barry. That is something I should have checked.

[@mikehoroho8453]

Man, another Indiana car. I had a 72 Nova SS 350 4 spd posi trac 300 hp. It had the rubber floor mat and AC as well. I wish I'd never let it go. I got mine used in 1975. It had 49,000 miles on it 67,000 when I sold it 6 yrs later. Loved that car. If I'd known what it would be worth today I would still have it.

[@marklevine-es2br]

I had that same car. Mine jumped the timing chain. The repair guy toiled me . I decided to junk it. I already had 250,000 miles. He told me that year 71 was prom to doing that. I was lucky that mine lasted that long…..

[@hectormacias8890]

Clean out or replace the spark plugs. You poured so much gas into the carburetor I am sure the plugs got wet. I am sure there is nothing wrong with the valves nor the timing chain because it sounded great when you first started it. Hope that works for you.