Help me with my starting issue please

Ok. I have a 1964 Galaxie with the 390 and an auto. When we bought the car it supposedly hadn't been started in the last 15 years. Here are the steps we have taken so far to get it started.
1. We verified we had spark - we do
2. We verified gas was getting to the carb - it is
3. We unhooked the fuel line running to the gas tank and ran it into a jug to verify fresh gas
4. We verified a good battery by jumping the car with my truck

Problems
1. We can't use the key to try to start/ crank the car over - the gen light comes on but nothing happens when we turn it to try to fire it
2. We tried jumping the solinoid - this got the car to fire but would not stay
3. We cannot use the throttle - for some reason it will not move. We even disconnected the linkage to verify it wasn't binding. It wasn't. But we can't manually crank the throttle at the carb. Why not? This seems odd. Why can't I blip the throttle at the carb?
I would think I could keep the car running if I could tweak the throttle. What do I need to check here to fix this?
Also, why can't I use the key? I know I just trashed the solinoid today. If I replaced this, do you think the key will work?

Here are a few pics of what I'm working with.
THanks for the help!

I'd replace that crummy looking fuel filter in the last picture. That could be a problem unless your fuel can is bypassing it.
I'd lube that carb linkage real good and see if that helps. It seems like maybe there is a kink or a bind somewhere in the linkage?

Originally Posted by brentville

I'd replace that crummy looking fuel filter in the last picture. That could be a problem unless your fuel can is bypassing it.
I'd lube that carb linkage real good and see if that helps. It seems like maybe there is a kink or a bind somewhere in the linkage?

I agree on the filter and itwill be replaced but we took it out to check it for now and fuel is going through.
Also, we disconnected all throttle linkage and were just trying to move it by hand with no luck...Weird. I suppose I can get a rebuild kit but I don't even know what came on this thing stock...

Paul, that IS the stock Autolite 4100 carb, and the reason it won't open is because the throttle blades are GLUED shut with old gasoline....

Get a 4100 rebuild kit, take the carb off, soak it complete until it free's up, then rebuild it.

Get test meter test the nipple in the picture on the FOREWARD post on the soleonoid (the one closest to the headlights) for 12V when the key is turned to the crank position. If it does NOT have 12V when the key is in the crank position, then closely inspect the back of your ignition switch, sometimes the pot metal crimp allows the Bakelite parts holding the switch together to separate, and this will prevent cranking when it's turned to crank...

DO NOT USE THE FUEL IN THE TANK Using that old fuel will varnish up the valves, it will physically glue them shut and you will bend valves and pushrods.

Spritz the berjeezus out of the carb with WD40 and MAYBE the throttle shaft will break free.


FE
P.S. keep us in the know

It really does sound like you have two or more problems coming together for you. A while back my alternator, coil and other wires decided to band together for two weeks of frustration.

If the light comes on when you try to crank the car, but nothing happens, then either the battery is low (I would give it a trickle charge overnight-- getting a charge and getting enough charge is two different things), your starter wiring is off somehow, or that solenoid is the culprit.

Not being able to blip the throttle has nothing to do with the electrical system, I think. Sounds like the carb needs to be gone over, maybe a quick rebuild with new gaskets and such. Carbs really don't like to sit there, I have found out.

I would fix the carb and throttle linkage first, then do some investigating into the other areas, including finding out if your alternatore or generator is functioning properly. My alternator had a loose terminal inside it. Would hold a charge sometimes, other times no.

You've got a maze of problems there, so be patient and remember to drink plenty of beer. Doctor's orders.

Ah! Good ol' FE beat me to the punch, but I'm glad to see that someone else thinks that you got two problems there.

I'm with him on the gas. You don't want to start replacing parts just to find out that the gas is one of the main problems.

Fantastic! Thanks guys! I'll be back out ot try the suggestions on Wednesday so I'll keep you posted. Regardless of it being a pain in the a**, I'm still enjoying it. And I'll make sure to have a few beers while working!
THanks again!

Check the simple stuff first...Make sure the neutral safety switch is not the culprit before you go changing everything, dump some marvel mystery oil in the carb and let it sit overnight and use a small wood dowel and gently tap the carb plates from the top to free them up.

1. We can't use the key to try to start/ crank the car over - the gen light comes on but nothing happens when we turn it to try to fire it

2. We tried jumping the solinoid - this got the car to fire but would not stay

When by-passing the starter solenoid, run a jumper wire from the hot side (BAT) of the solenoid to the + terminal of the coil and then jump BAT to S. This will bypass the IGN SW, NSW and any defective wiring.

Make sure it is out of gear (ST) or in P (AT) as she will move. Be careful jumping off another vehicle. The car may take the jump or not depending on cables and BAT condition.

buy a new holly- send me that old carb-ill give ya 50 dollars cash for it -- do not take it apart-- just trying to help