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Old 07-19-2022, 03:50 PM   #1
34 fordor owner
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Default Spark but no start!

Alright guys! I got a 34 flathead with original 6 volt positive ground. I have a confusing issue, I’m having spark to my all my wires and my spark plugs. I pour gas down the carb but it will not fire over? Not even a sputter? Could this be low compression because it might not be turning after as fast as it could. Any help and ideas are appreciated!

This car has been sitting since 2001 and I’m trying so hard to get it started!!

Thank you!
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Old 07-19-2022, 04:30 PM   #2
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

A little Oil in the cylinders through the spark plug holes will help to increase compression...
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Old 07-19-2022, 04:38 PM   #3
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

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Originally Posted by petehoovie View Post
A little Oil in the cylinders through the spark plug holes will help to increase compression...

I will do this. Also to help it spin over a bit faster could I do 12 volts straight to the starter? Might be a stupid question.
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Old 07-19-2022, 04:42 PM   #4
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

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I will do this. Also to help it spin over a bit faster could I do 12 volts straight to the starter? Might be a stupid question.

You can do that, but understand that you run a risk of damage to your Bendix and/or your flywheel.
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Old 07-19-2022, 04:52 PM   #5
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

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You can do that, but understand that you run a risk of damage to your Bendix and/or your flywheel.

I will not even take the risk in that case! Super weird that I’m getting spark but it’s not sputtering at all. Think imma get my 6 volt battery charged so its turning over at full charge and shoot oil in the spark plug holes. Something else to help with this is grounding. Besides the main battery to frame positive ground where are some more ground to clean or add some grounds to help with starting?
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Old 07-19-2022, 05:07 PM   #6
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spray carb cleaner in the carb instead of gas. fires easier......
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Old 07-19-2022, 05:41 PM   #7
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 34 fordor owner View Post
Alright guys! I got a 34 flathead with original 6 volt positive ground. I have a confusing issue, I’m having spark to my all my wires and my spark plugs. I pour gas down the carb but it will not fire over? Not even a sputter? Could this be low compression because it might not be turning after as fast as it could. Any help and ideas are appreciated!

This car has been sitting since 2001 and I’m trying so hard to get it started!!

Thank you!
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spray carb cleaner in the carb instead of gas. fires easier......

ronn makes a good point. If you literally pour gas down the carb, it might be flooded. Ether starting fluid also.
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Old 07-19-2022, 05:52 PM   #8
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

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ronn makes a good point. If you literally pour gas down the carb, it might be flooded. Ether starting fluid also.

I’ve tried starting fluid carb cleaner and gas but nothing makes it sputter. Real brain tickler. Gonna get the battery charged and start fresh tomorrow. Even if it’s spinning over slow shouldn’t it still catch a little bit with the gas, carb cleaner, or starting fluid?
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Old 07-19-2022, 06:46 PM   #9
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Firing order correct ? Do you have compression ? Has it been sitting ? If your turning slow , check cables after a crank session and check for heat , the hotter it is the closer you are to the weak ground .
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Old 07-20-2022, 12:41 PM   #10
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Are your plugs wet after cranking?
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Old 07-20-2022, 01:23 PM   #11
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

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You can do that, but understand that you run a risk of damage to your Bendix and/or your flywheel.
No you won't. I've been running my 6 volt starter on 12v for over 20 years.
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Old 07-20-2022, 01:25 PM   #12
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Before you do anything else, do a compression check.
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Old 07-20-2022, 02:34 PM   #13
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Been working on it today and with some starting fluid it will try and start and sputter but it will not catch on fully and run. Fully charged battery as well.
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Old 07-20-2022, 02:45 PM   #14
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Would it might have a higher chance of starting if I feed it gas with the throttle open then shut the throttle and try starting it?
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Old 07-20-2022, 02:56 PM   #15
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

When was the last time it ran ?
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Old 07-20-2022, 02:58 PM   #16
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Some valves might be stuck open.

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Old 07-20-2022, 03:20 PM   #17
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Just to add ,12 volt I am with Jumping jack flat on this one ,I have done sevral call outs lately with the same problem 20 year storage etc ,12 volt direct to starter cable then contact to ground , a head nut (you will get some sparks ) Post 14 yes 1/8 cup gas into carb , you could also lift the top of carb and fill the bowl as the pump sounds like its not working ,
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Old 07-20-2022, 03:25 PM   #18
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

I got it to start and run for a little bit! But I can’t keep it running because the fuel pump is not working. Any quick and easy temp tank ideas? Also it’s backfiring a little what would be causing this?
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Old 07-20-2022, 04:48 PM   #19
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

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I got it to start and run for a little bit! But I can’t keep it running because the fuel pump is not working. Any quick and easy temp tank ideas? Also it’s backfiring a little what would be causing this?

My mistake the fuel pump seems to be working when I took it off but fuel is not getting to it not sure why. A temporary fuel take idea would still be nice!
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Old 07-20-2022, 07:04 PM   #20
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Default Re: Spark but no start!

Hang a lawn mower tank in there
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