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-   -   Engine not starting. (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286993)

Smooth_One 09-10-2020 12:48 PM

Engine not starting.
 

Would a bad cutout switch keep the engine from starting?
And I have not referenced my book yet but how do you check them for good or bad?

ryanheacox 09-10-2020 01:11 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

It shouldn't keep the engine from cranking unless it was stuck for long enough to run the battery down a ways. Easiest way to check is measure voltage at both sides of the cutout. Should be ~6V at the output of the cutout where the wires attach and 0V at the generator stud.

GRutter 09-10-2020 02:08 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

If you have enough power to crank the engine, then you should have enough to start it.
Look at other sources of trouble.
1. If you have an inline fuse mounted on the starter, check it first.
2. Check that the ignition switch is on (Check for slight discharge on the Ammeter)
3. Check that you have free flow of gas to the carburetor.

Smooth_One 09-10-2020 02:37 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanheacox (Post 1929863)
It shouldn't keep the engine from cranking unless it was stuck for long enough to run the battery down a ways. Easiest way to check is measure voltage at both sides of the cutout. Should be ~6V at the output of the cutout where the wires attach and 0V at the generator stud.

Thanks I’ll check V on both sides tonight. It cranks over just doesn’t fire.

Smooth_One 09-10-2020 02:39 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRutter (Post 1929886)
If you have enough power to crank the engine, then you should have enough to start it.
Look at other sources of trouble.
1. If you have an inline fuse mounted on the starter, check it first.
2. Check that the ignition switch is on (Check for slight discharge on the Ammeter)
3. Check that you have free flow of gas to the carburetor.

Getting plenty of gas! It’s leaking out of the intake so the float needs some attention for sure. It was running in the driveway the other day after a 30 minute drive and just shut off, like someone turned the key off.
Hasn’t started since. I put a new coil on it and checked the wiring. ???

Smooth_One 09-10-2020 02:47 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Just Curious, what does everyone use for a solid ground for a test light or multi meter to check things out?

bob from red oak 09-10-2020 03:12 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

positive ground post on battery

Chuck Sea/Tac 09-10-2020 03:22 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth_One (Post 1929902)
Getting plenty of gas! It’s leaking out of the intake so the float needs some attention for sure. It was running in the driveway the other day after a 30 minute drive and just shut off, like someone turned the key off.
Hasn’t started since. I put a new coil on it and checked the wiring. ???

When you’re cranking it trying to start it, gas coming out of the carburetor is not a carburetor problem. You just flooded it. Do you have a fuse??

Patrick L. 09-10-2020 05:05 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth_One (Post 1929905)
Just Curious, what does everyone use for a solid ground for a test light or multi meter to check things out?





Any good ground close to where you're working. Frame, head bolt, starter bolt, manifold bolt, etc.

Smooth_One 09-10-2020 05:44 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac (Post 1929920)
When you’re cranking it trying to start it, gas coming out of the carburetor is not a carburetor problem. You just flooded it. Do you have a fuse??

I do not have a fuse on it but I was going to add one soon.

daveymc29 09-10-2020 05:56 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Check spark with key on, break the points while holding coil wire near a head bolt. should have a blue to white spark jump each time points are opened. If yellow or orange, may not jump the plug gap. Should have a snap to it that you can hear and jump a gap of 1/4 inch or more, each time points are opened with the key on. (Use a screwdriver with a wooden handle to break the points.

Smooth_One 09-11-2020 06:37 AM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

No power getting to the coil I found out last night.

katy 09-11-2020 10:43 AM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

1 Attachment(s)
Wiring diagram:

Chuck Sea/Tac 09-11-2020 10:30 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

1 Attachment(s)
Here’s a simple ignition wiring diagram. Just trace where the voltage disappears.

Bill G 09-12-2020 12:02 AM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac (Post 1930481)
Here’s a simple ignition wiring diagram. Just trace where the voltage disappears.

Nice diagram. I like it.

Smooth_One 09-14-2020 07:28 AM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Thanks! I’ll let you guys know what I find in a few days.

Denali 09-14-2020 08:19 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

I just had this happen to me and my 1930 Coupe. The fellas on here were quite helpful with gas or electric problems. A friend came over and we determined it was electrical. It was the modern distributor and I replaced the condenser and I SIMPLY PLACED ELECTRICIANS tape over the pieces that came close to the sidewall of the distributor housing and boom! She started right up!
Mark in Fairbanks Alaska

Smooth_One 09-14-2020 08:40 PM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

Ok so I didn’t mention that I converted in to electronic ignition, but I did keep the manual spark adjustment. The car is running now. I guess when converting to electronic ignition you literally disconnect ALL the factory wires? I didn’t know that. Went through a few glass fuses.
Anyways. That where I’m at tonight.

Smooth_One 09-15-2020 06:28 AM

Re: Engine not starting.
 

The red wire from the ignition switch to the positive side of the coil was blowing the fuses. Can’t say I’m the best electrician but I’m learning. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...00cc0dbd11.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...de0606dd33.jpg


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