Bought a 1984 Dodge Ram B250 V8. Very new to automotive and need some help. The van started but since it was dropped off at our house I can not get it to start.

Am I supposed to pump the gas peddle with the starter is turned then try to start the van? Do I pump once or a bunch of times.

I know I sound like an idiot but I could use some help and advise. I feel like I could start it so there maybe something else wrong like its not getting enough air and gas to the engine. Where do I start?????

 

Pump the gas a couple of times. Sets the choke and primes it.

 

Okay great. I did try that and it didn’t even turn over. I am going to test the battery but I tried to boost it and still nothing What would be the next thing to test?

 

If it won't even turn over, pumping the gas won't help....get the battery tested, check the cables, check the starter.

 

I appreciate your advise. That is what I planned on doing. Like I said, very ignorant when it come to engines. Hoping to be able to ask questions here , not be judged and get some more appreciated advise .

Thanks again, I’ll update as I progress

 

Try putting your foot on the brake, shift into neutral, then try starting it. The safety switch only allows the starter to engage in Park or Neutral.

 

Thanks for the tips! I’m putting in a new battery first as it did not test well