The Ford Barn - View Single Post - new engine start-up problems

40 Deluxe · 10-03-2020, 02:33 PM

1. Have you tried a different condenser or coil? Wouldn't be the first time a new part was defective out of the box.
2. Have you checked EVERY electrical connection including all grounds?
3. Is the point gap still correct?
4. Hook up a timing light and watch the flash when you start the engine. If the spark is cutting out you will see erratic flashes or no flashes.
5. Borrow a carb from a good running engine or try your carb on a good running engine.
6. Could the valve guides be a little tight, causing the valves to be slow to close? I have seen cases where a valve would close at cranking speeds and give a good compression reading, but hang up when running. Is the compression now even on all cylinders?
7. DO NOT assume anything! Check and verify everything! One step at a time, and you'll find the problem.

10-03-2020, 02:33 PM	#45
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,779	Re: new engine start-up problems 1. Have you tried a different condenser or coil? Wouldn't be the first time a new part was defective out of the box. 2. Have you checked EVERY electrical connection including all grounds? 3. Is the point gap still correct? 4. Hook up a timing light and watch the flash when you start the engine. If the spark is cutting out you will see erratic flashes or no flashes. 5. Borrow a carb from a good running engine or try your carb on a good running engine. 6. Could the valve guides be a little tight, causing the valves to be slow to close? I have seen cases where a valve would close at cranking speeds and give a good compression reading, but hang up when running. Is the compression now even on all cylinders? 7. DO NOT assume anything! Check and verify everything! One step at a time, and you'll find the problem.