The Ford Barn - View Single Post - No. 7 Cyl never gives evidence of a power stroke on '46 Flathead

J Witt · 03-31-2017, 08:56 AM

That's peculiar alright. I remember hearing of a race engine (not mine) once that had a shop rag in one of the ports. If you pull the intake manifold off, you should be able to feel the suction as the piston goes down on intake. Also can check for obstructions in the intake path. However, an obstruction doesn't seem too likely if #7 will make the same compression as the other cylinders.

I assume you don't have any fluid leaks into that cylinder, not using up coolant, etc. If it has air, fuel and spark, it should fire, assuming spark is occurring at the right time. I guess I might have to vote for something causing the timing to be off for that cylinder. If you have the firing order off it would have to be for two cylinders, not just one, but perhaps some issue with the dist cam is causing that one to fire very late or early.

Keep us posted, this is better than playing "Clue".

03-31-2017, 08:56 AM	#4
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Re: No. 7 Cyl never gives evidence of a power stroke on '46 Flathead That's peculiar alright. I remember hearing of a race engine (not mine) once that had a shop rag in one of the ports. If you pull the intake manifold off, you should be able to feel the suction as the piston goes down on intake. Also can check for obstructions in the intake path. However, an obstruction doesn't seem too likely if #7 will make the same compression as the other cylinders. I assume you don't have any fluid leaks into that cylinder, not using up coolant, etc. If it has air, fuel and spark, it should fire, assuming spark is occurring at the right time. I guess I might have to vote for something causing the timing to be off for that cylinder. If you have the firing order off it would have to be for two cylinders, not just one, but perhaps some issue with the dist cam is causing that one to fire very late or early. Keep us posted, this is better than playing "Clue". __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.