The Ford Barn

Denali · 02-12-2021, 03:14 PM

Guys, I've a 1930 Coupe that I installed a new FS Ignition system in. After getting pricy spark plug wires, the engine fired up after a few tries and ran like a top! I adjusted the timing while it was running and it sounded great! So I shut her down and the next day I went to start her and she wouldn't fire to save my life....
Had gas dripping out if the Marvel carburetor so I thought the float was stuck. I replaced the carburetor with another Marvel and the same thing. No fire, gas dripping. So today I installed a Zenith carburetor and still she won't fire.
So I pulled the spark plugs one at a time and tested to see if I was getting spark. I got spark on #1 and #2 but not on 3 and 4.
What am I doing wrong here???

Mark in Fairbanks Alaska

Patrick L. · 02-12-2021, 03:57 PM

You have at least 2 issues.

I know nothing about the ignition system you're using, I've not played with an FS.

You set the timing while engine was running ? Was that with a light or by ear ? If by ear, thats a problem.

Not having fire on 2 cylinders could be either a primary or secondary issue, but, probably secondary.

If fuel is dripping then chances are there is a float/float valve/dirt issue. These carburetors are easily fixed, usually.

old31 · 02-12-2021, 04:41 PM

Please explain in detail how you timed your car.

Do you have another distributor body, cap and rotor you could try?

I have installed FS ignitions before. Do you know if you have a high compression head or the standard 4.2? I doubt it is the FS.

Denali · 02-12-2021, 05:17 PM

Timed it by ear. Standard head. Initially set the timing by removing the timing pin, inserting it in reverse till I felt the detent while turning the engine by the crank. Then making sure the rotor was on #1 cylinder.
Why would it run so very well one day and not even fire the next day without changing a thing???

nkaminar · 02-12-2021, 05:28 PM

You may have more than one thing wrong. Try going back to the original distributor first and time it with the pin and the spark fully retarded.

I know that if the FSI system is not installed correctly then the electronics can be compromised. For instance, if I remember correctly, they say in their instructions to hook the power to the module directly to the battery at the starter. (My car had a switch in that wire.) Consult with the factory.

For my money, I like the original distributor with the modern points better than the electronic ones.

Marshall V. Daut · 02-12-2021, 05:29 PM

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Marshall

02-12-2021, 04:41 PM	#3
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,098	Re: Won't Fire Up Please explain in detail how you timed your car. Do you have another distributor body, cap and rotor you could try? I have installed FS ignitions before. Do you know if you have a high compression head or the standard 4.2? I doubt it is the FS.

02-12-2021, 05:17 PM	#4
Denali Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 33	Re: Won't Fire Up Timed it by ear. Standard head. Initially set the timing by removing the timing pin, inserting it in reverse till I felt the detent while turning the engine by the crank. Then making sure the rotor was on #1 cylinder. Why would it run so very well one day and not even fire the next day without changing a thing???

02-12-2021, 05:28 PM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Won't Fire Up You may have more than one thing wrong. Try going back to the original distributor first and time it with the pin and the spark fully retarded. I know that if the FSI system is not installed correctly then the electronics can be compromised. For instance, if I remember correctly, they say in their instructions to hook the power to the module directly to the battery at the starter. (My car had a switch in that wire.) Consult with the factory. For my money, I like the original distributor with the modern points better than the electronic ones. __________________ 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.

02-12-2021, 05:29 PM	#6
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,111	Re: Won't Fire Up Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 'Been there. Check your "Private Messages" in the upper right corner of this web page. Marshall

02-12-2021, 03:14 PM	#1
Denali Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 33	Won't Fire Up Guys, I've a 1930 Coupe that I installed a new FS Ignition system in. After getting pricy spark plug wires, the engine fired up after a few tries and ran like a top! I adjusted the timing while it was running and it sounded great! So I shut her down and the next day I went to start her and she wouldn't fire to save my life.... Had gas dripping out if the Marvel carburetor so I thought the float was stuck. I replaced the carburetor with another Marvel and the same thing. No fire, gas dripping. So today I installed a Zenith carburetor and still she won't fire. So I pulled the spark plugs one at a time and tested to see if I was getting spark. I got spark on #1 and #2 but not on 3 and 4. What am I doing wrong here??? Mark in Fairbanks Alaska

02-12-2021, 03:57 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Won't Fire Up You have at least 2 issues. I know nothing about the ignition system you're using, I've not played with an FS. You set the timing while engine was running ? Was that with a light or by ear ? If by ear, thats a problem. Not having fire on 2 cylinders could be either a primary or secondary issue, but, probably secondary. If fuel is dripping then chances are there is a float/float valve/dirt issue. These carburetors are easily fixed, usually.