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86 El Dorado 4.1L no start


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Dudelin
New User

Jun 26, 2007, 12:36 AM

Post #1 of 5 (1355 views)
86 El Dorado 4.1L no start Sign In

I know someone out there knows the answer to this.
When trying to jump start my Cad I realized that the ignition key/ start had little or no resistance when turning from lock to acc to run to start; only the lock position works. There's just hardly anything there. I don't feel any spring tension to turn the key back to run.
Which part is the most likely suspect; has the spring? The ignition key part or the electrical switch. Or possibly something else in the bottom of the column?
I've taken the steering wheel off and am down to the turn signal assembly. I copied a page from a Chilton book but am still a bit leery of diggin' further unnecessarily. Hope someone can clear this up for me!

If I am ever able to get it to turn over, as its been just sitting, I could use some pointers on the best way to get it running. Pour gas in the intake? Tks again!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 26, 2007, 1:04 AM

Post #2 of 5 (1353 views)
Re: 86 El Dorado 4.1L no start Sign In

The ignition spring action is in the lock cylinder I think -- don't quote me on that. If you have the chip thing on an original key you will need to defeat that or get a matched one - not sure where at the age but Cadillac is pretty good about tending to their customers at a price though.

For start up I would use starting fluid rather than just raw gas. Too much liquid gasoline could cause problems and if the car will even stumble and stall a couple times it should go after that if the car sat so long that the fuel is not avalable right away.

Fuel really does need to be stabilized for storage or long term like over six months. I find the additives in fuel are not stable too long term and can clog things up. This happens to all my household/yard gasoline things all give me trouble with seasonal storage if I don't treat the fuel and run them dry for off season.

A product called SeaFoam has been helpful at breaking up congiled fuel (looks like jelly) in the fuel but cars are much more sensitive to this problem.

How long did it sit anyway. Like I said - six months is about enough without some attention. Always beware of brakes that may not work too well right away also,

T



Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jun 26, 2007, 9:38 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1351 views)
Re: 86 El Dorado 4.1L no start Sign In

Thanks much for the info.
I'm also thinking that the spring action is in the lock cylinder and hopefully replacing that will give me juice to the starter <g>. As far as the chip, it doesn't have one.
I'm not very familiar with fuel injection, and I guess my Cad has it, but can you give me an idea of how much starting fluid I should use initially and otherwise? Pour it into the "carburetor"? Some in the gas tank? The car has been sitting for about a year. The engine was sound with only 144M miles on it. (It was in a minor accident but body work was $ prohibitive and ....)
BTW, I jacked the car up enough to get underneath hoping to cross the terminals on the starter/solenoid. No luck getting to the terminals.
Again, I appreciate your help. Doug


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 26, 2007, 10:29 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1349 views)
Re: 86 El Dorado 4.1L no start Sign In

Use starting fluid which sprays into the intake with the air cleaner parts removed as close to the intake as it goes. It's not a thing that you pour anywhere. The SeaFoam is a liquid solvent that is put in the gas. Not for instant results but can help and don't use too much.

For the key I'm not certain about that. If no current makes it to the starter solonoid it could be the problem with the funky feeling you mentioned. You could jump the solonoid directly for a test that it is ok there and find out if the key is (probably not) delivering the 12V signal to the solonoid. Be careful there as you can short out jump clips and engine may start right up on you so use good judgement doing stuff like that,

T
(edit) = changed starter fluid to starting fluid to avoid confusion....



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jun 27, 2007, 3:05 AM)


Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jun 26, 2007, 11:19 PM

Post #5 of 5 (1348 views)
Re: 86 El Dorado 4.1L no start Sign In

The quick reply is greatly appreciated.
I have a can of liquid fluid in the garage but your right, aerosol is the thing. As for crossing the terminals, I'll try to figure out another way to check the solonoid, if necessary, from the top <G>.
Tks agn and I'll let you know if I get anywhere.






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