Need Help Starting a '52 263

[dorse50]

I have a 1952 Buick Special with a 263 and I am having trouble getting it started. It hasn't ran in about 3 years. I have replaced the fuel lines and filters. Lines and pump are full and pumping. Fresh gas. I have replaced the points with a Pertronix electronic ignition and have good spark. It cranks pretty good for an old 6v but it just doesn't seem to want to fire. I'm not a mechanic and could use some advice. Does anyone have any suggestions to get her started?

[Maikl]

You say gasoline is at the carb ? If you remove air filter from carb and look into the air horn with ignition off: Pump throttle lever as if accelerating and watch if accelerator pump produces a googd stream of gasoline into the air horn. If not, either pump does not work but since car does not fire, more likely carb is dry, due to gas pump not working after all or inlet valve at carb is stuck.
If yes: Does she fire when you remove the air filter and use starter spray or pour a small amount of gasoline into the air horn on top of the carburetor ? If yes, most likely the carb needs cleaning/re-adjusting.

[Long Roof]

Another quick check - pull a couple of plugs and make sure they are not fouled. They can foul up easily and if they aren't sparking they won't fire.

[paulyounkin]

Since 1960"s American gas is unleaded your going to need lead substitute witch you should be able to pick up in any auto parts store also i believe Walmart might carry it just follow mixing instructions good luck!

also check the compression at the cylinders its very simple with the checker you just screw it into the spark plug holes then repete with a drop of oil in the cylinders this is called a wet test

[dorse50]

Got it started yesterday. Thanks for the replies. We pulled the spark plugs in cylinders 1-3 and squirted a small amount of gas in each. It turned over 4-5 times the fired right up. It ran a little rough for a while but now it is running good. It will be road ready once I finish up the breaks.