The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Engine not starting - checked everything

nkaminar · 03-31-2021, 10:45 PM

Michael,

Do not assume anything. Start with the basics.

1. Check the valve timing. Take out the number one spark plug. Turn the engine over with the hand crank and watch the piston move to top dead center. As the piston gets to the top, the valves will be either completely closed or both open just a small amount. If they are completely closed, rotate the engine 360 degrees so that the piston is again at the top. If both valves are open just a small amount, then the valve timing is correct. If not then you will have to change the cam gear until the valve timing is correct. You may need a little dental mirror and a torch (flash light) to see the valves.

2. Check the timing. Fully retard the spark lever (all the way up). Rotate the engine until the number one piston is at the top and both valves are fully closed. This is the position when the spark plug should be firing. Check to see if the points are just opening by rotating the distributor rotor back and forth. You have stated that you are getting a spark but you can check this again by rotating the rotor back and forth with the ignition on. The rotor should be pointed at the lead (wire) for number one spark plug.

3. Use an old oil can or similar to squirt a little gasoline in the carburetor. 30 cc will be plenty. Try to start the engine. If the starts then dies you have a fuel problem.

03-31-2021, 10:45 PM	#33
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,903	Re: Engine not starting - checked everything - no more idea Michael, Do not assume anything. Start with the basics. 1. Check the valve timing. Take out the number one spark plug. Turn the engine over with the hand crank and watch the piston move to top dead center. As the piston gets to the top, the valves will be either completely closed or both open just a small amount. If they are completely closed, rotate the engine 360 degrees so that the piston is again at the top. If both valves are open just a small amount, then the valve timing is correct. If not then you will have to change the cam gear until the valve timing is correct. You may need a little dental mirror and a torch (flash light) to see the valves. 2. Check the timing. Fully retard the spark lever (all the way up). Rotate the engine until the number one piston is at the top and both valves are fully closed. This is the position when the spark plug should be firing. Check to see if the points are just opening by rotating the distributor rotor back and forth. You have stated that you are getting a spark but you can check this again by rotating the rotor back and forth with the ignition on. The rotor should be pointed at the lead (wire) for number one spark plug. 3. Use an old oil can or similar to squirt a little gasoline in the carburetor. 30 cc will be plenty. Try to start the engine. If the starts then dies you have a fuel problem. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 04-01-2021 at 09:53 AM.