Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: gcashen on November 19, 2017, 10:04:35 PM

Title: Starting a 1931 LaSalle after engine re-build
Post by: gcashen on November 19, 2017, 10:04:35 PM
I have a 1931 V8 LaSalle.  After rebuilding the engine we have not be able to get it started.  We replaced the battery as well as the distributor.  We think the next step may be re-building the starter and/or the carburetor.  The car and I are located in the Dallas area.  Any references for shops to work on the starter or carburetor or your suggestions would be appreciated.

Gregg Cashen     Member Number: 29651
Title: Re: Starting a 1931 LaSalle after engine re-build
Post by: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on November 20, 2017, 07:24:41 AM
Get out your Directory and see if there is anyone nearby that has an earlier car like yours. Les Wax in Boston might be a source to call this evening. Many of our older members who might have such cars do not use the Forum and you might have to pick up the phone.
Title: Re: Starting a 1931 LaSalle after engine re-build
Post by: Steve Passmore on November 20, 2017, 07:51:22 AM
I know nothing about your year of engine but to get any help here one would have to give a lot more information about why it's not starting. Is it spinning over or not? Is it getting fuel? Is there a spark at the plugs/points? Is the timing set correctly? Does it have compression?  Many variables.
Title: Re: Starting a 1931 LaSalle after engine re-build
Post by: harry s on November 20, 2017, 02:16:38 PM
I second what Steve has suggested. Your car should have a vacuum fuel delivery system which needs to be primed prior to operation. You do this by filling the vacuum tank with gas so as to gravity feed the carb. If you have current to the distributor I would guess the timing is off. Try these steps and if no luck let us know. Good Luck     Harry