New Guy, 65 Econoline

Hey Everyone,
Nice to be here, tons of great info for a novice.
I just bought a 65 Econoline van. I know little about cars, I build bikes. It runs and I drove it home, but its rough. Just changed plugs, took apart and cleaned the carb, and put in a new battery.

Its pretty hard starting. The starter just clicks, but if you tap it with a hammer it will sometimes work. Think its time for a new starter?

And I think its only firing on 4 of 6 cylinders. 2 plugs are completely clean. What could cause that?

Thanks

Welcome to the site. I'm more of a motorcycle guy too. Maybe now that you have the carb cleaned and you are definitely getting gas check for spark with inline spark testers or the old way of holding the plug to the head. If its all good there then do a compression test. Thats just what I'd do with a bike but I haven't really ripped into mine yet as i'm a new owner too. Timing? Hopefully someone else will chime in.

a compression test or even better a leak down test is always what i do first. because even if everything else is good no/low compression = no run

It will run. I drove it yesterday. But after new plugs and cleaning the carb it doesnt want to start. and the starter is clicking and not always turning over so I think thats the main issue...Anyone know if you can buy a starter locally? Like autozone or something?

That could also be a bad starter wire running to the starter relay or wire running from the relay to the battery or a bad relay. I would get that first and if it is not it you can take them back. Have you tried jumping it?

Welcome to the site!!!!

Welcome 65 Econo,
If the starter works when you hit it with a hammer, you probably need to replace it. You should be able to find one at any of the national parts chains, or have your local alt/starter shop look at it. Good luck!

Welcome! I'm just down the road in Columbia.

Thanks guys. Great info. I did get it to start a few times but mostly just "Clicks". Gotta be the starter.

Also looks like 2 cylinders are not firing...and ideas on that?

Welcome aboard! I'm just down a little farther southern man. Just across the border in Florida.

Well, I replaced the starter and finally got it running. Carb was just dumping fuel, guess it was flooded. Adjusted the float and stopped the flow.

Think its time for a new carb. Any suggestions?

Best bet is to keep am eye out on eBay.

I'm sure you can get a carb rebuild kit for less than $35. If you find one on Ebay chances are it will have to be rebuilt anyhow.