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Old 09-10-2020, 12:48 PM   #1
Smooth_One
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Default 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?
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Old 09-10-2020, 01:11 PM   #2
ryanheacox
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Default 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.
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Old 09-10-2020, 02:08 PM   #3
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Default 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.
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Old 09-10-2020, 02:37 PM   #4
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ryanheacox View Post
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.
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Old 09-10-2020, 02:39 PM   #5
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GRutter View Post
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. ???
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Old 09-10-2020, 02:47 PM   #6
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

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Just Curious, what does everyone use for a solid ground for a test light or multi meter to check things out?
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Old 09-10-2020, 03:12 PM   #7
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

positive ground post on battery
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Old 09-10-2020, 03:22 PM   #8
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth_One View Post
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??
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Old 09-10-2020, 05:05 PM   #9
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth_One View Post
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.
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Old 09-10-2020, 05:44 PM   #10
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

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Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac View Post
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.
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Old 09-10-2020, 05:56 PM   #11
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Default 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.
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Old 09-11-2020, 06:37 AM   #12
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

No power getting to the coil I found out last night.
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Old 09-11-2020, 10:43 AM   #13
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Wiring diagram:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Wiring diagram.jpg (93.2 KB, 22 views)
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Old 09-11-2020, 10:30 PM   #14
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Here’s a simple ignition wiring diagram. Just trace where the voltage disappears.
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Old 09-12-2020, 12:02 AM   #15
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac View Post
Here’s a simple ignition wiring diagram. Just trace where the voltage disappears.
Nice diagram. I like it.
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Old 09-14-2020, 07:28 AM   #16
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Default Re: Engine not starting.

Thanks! I’ll let you guys know what I find in a few days.
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Old 09-14-2020, 08:19 PM   #17
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Default 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!
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Old 09-14-2020, 08:40 PM   #18
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Default 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.
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Old 09-15-2020, 06:28 AM   #19
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Default 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.
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