V8 Engine won't start.

New member Denny Salvage here. I have a 62 Skylark, V8, 4 barrel carb with Auto, 2 door hard top that hasn't run in many years. I have done a complete tuneup and have spark at the points and plugs. The engine spins over OK but will not start. Firing order is the same as Chevy:1,8,4,3,6,5,7,2 and distributor is loose so we can move freely while cranking. Nothing. I pulled the plugs and did a compression test on 3 cylinders.:25, 35 and 40 PSI. (Didn't need to continue). Can I squirt some ATF in all the cylinders and reinstall the plugs to try to get compression up to 135/140? Thanks. The car has only 102K miles on it.

Are you thinking sticking valves is the reason for low compression?

Oh and welcome aboard!

Thanks, Today with all 8 plugs removed we pulled the distributor out and primed the oil pump using an electric drill to 'pump up' the lifters. We reinstalled the plugs and set the timing between 5 and 7 degrees by sight then tried starting it again. It still acts like it will start but it doesn't, even using starter fluid. I may remove a valve cover next to see if oil is pumping up through the push rods.

When you get the VC removed be sure to check for stuck valves. With compression readings that low and sittings for so long I suspect them or stuck rings or maybe both.

Thank you. Dry rings or sticking valves maybe. Also, the starter seems weak when it is turning over. (Even with boost cables). Going to get the starter tested and possibly new brushes, etc.