Old cars will not crank?

97 Buick Century
98 Ford Contour 6 cyl

The Century shows FULL, its not.

The Contour shows empty. I put a gallon in and it still shows below E and it won't crank.

Its been years since either was cranked.

Tried starting fluid and it tried to start but would not.

I've been told to bang the gas tank with a hammer but did not try that because its cold out right now.

Did the fuel pumps go bad?

Oh and I got 93 Oct gas, but a gallon did not help the Contour. Have 3 gallons left.

Added (1). Yes, it turns over and TRIES to start but will not.

Have you tried testing the batteries? You should be able to take those out, and take them to any auto parts store to get them tested for free, but call ahead and ask to make sure. Then you can get recommendations. You can get battery tester for cheap too at those auto stores as well for future use.

The fuel in the tank has gone bad, pull the tank, drain the tank, clean the tank, pull the pump make sure the filter isn't gummed up and there's not a lot of rust in the tank, reassemble and try again.

You 'should' be able to hear the fuel pump hum or buzz when you turn the key to RUN, the last stop before the START position, if you have someone listen way at the back-end of the car.

Don't go hammering the gas tank, that will really stir up the dirt and rust in the gas then you have a bigger problem when the pump jams the debris into the injectors. Put more gas in it.

Needs a new battery.

Drain the old gas, put fresh fuel, replace the fuel filter, put new plugs, try to start. No start, check for spark with a spark tester and check for fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge while cranking.

Pounding on the tank is to free a stuck fuel pump but not reason to suspect the fuel pump. (Especially iof you listen for it) It is typical for an engine to be hard to start after sitting long a time. If the battery is dead it needs to be charged or replaced. Witness whether gas is actually reaching the carb or injectors. Keep trying with the starter fluid and it will eventually catch. The low temperature is also a big factor.

Your use of the word "crank" seems to be different than my use of the word.

To "crank" in my humble opinion, means the starter is turning the engine crankshaft.

Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure test port on the fuel rail and see if there's adequate pressure.

Many year old gasoline will not combust properly, if at all.

-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972