The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop engine not starting

As simple as everyone says that the 235 is, when it doesn't start its frustrating. My 54 was starting and running well. I replaced the wiring harness, painted it,and 8 months later I can't get it started. I have tested the spark at the coil, test light blinks when starting.

Then today it started for about 2 seconds and cut out. Several times this happened.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do, or test?

Just curious.

Thanks,
Dave

Just going on what you've said, here's how I'd diagnose (in order)

1. Timing
2. Fuel delivery (check fuel pump, lines, etc.)

Other things could be wrong as well, but I think it's safe to say that either one or both of the above is not right. Start here and go from there.

-ftyler

Three things, Fuel, Spark, Air. Which one is it missing? Look in the carburator, does it shoot fuel when you open the throttle? Pull a plug and ground it to the engine, does it spark when you crank engine?

Try hot wireing the coil, jump from battery to the (+) side of coil. This bypasses the the whole harness. Does it run now?

Disconnect the fuel line from the tank, hook up a hose from a clean fuel container and set it up on the fender or on a bucket. Does it run with this?

Keep us posted with every detail. Joe

I connected a light bulb to the neg. on the battery and the screw on the coil. When I crank the engine it lights. So I am guessing that the spark is there. Is this a safe guess? or should I do a different test.

This wouldn't test the timing right ftyler? I guess I should see about doing that, i do have a timing light, never used it though.

My first reaction was a gummed up carb. I bought a rebuild kit. But I have hesitated doing that until the engine was running, so that I don't throw any more problems into the mix.

I will try the new fuel line idea. I should bypass the filter correct? and hook up the new line directly to the carb?

Thanks so much for your help,
the stovebolters have helped me out every step of the way during this rebuild, and I hope to help out others (as soon as I figuer out what I am doing)

Dave

If the light is lighting up then you are getting fire. It may be weak, but it is there. From the sound of it cranking for a couple of seconds, I would say your problem is in fuel. If it cranked it shouldn't be electricity. You didn't say how long it sat for, but try pouring just a teaspoon or so fuel into the carb. If it cranks at all it is the fuel line or carb. If you set up the clean tank to the pump you don't need the filter just plug into the side of the fuel pump. The filter may even be clogged and causing the problem. You may try taking the old fuel line from the pump off of the carb and run it away to an open area then turn the motor to make sure fuel is flowing. Amazingly alot of fuel should be flowing through it when you turn the motor.

Oh yeah, don't hook up directly to the carb. You have to have a pump to deliver enough fuel preasure. Go from the clean tank to the fuel pump.

The old beast ran!!! Thanks for all your help guys. After a couple of days of trying, today I bought some new gas, mixed in some Heet water remover and put in the tank. I replaced the fuel filter and by looking at that I could tell that the fuel was getting to the carb.

It still didnt' turn over,
As a final measure I poured a little gas in the carb and a 2 second burst of starting fluid. Kicked right over, I let it run for a couple of minutes, eased up on the throttle and choke, let it run for a while longer.

Then the real test I pulled it out of the garage, shut it off. Took a couple of tries, but it started back up again. Didn't want to push my luck so I backed it up and went inside for the night.

I cant wait to see what the new paint job looks like in the daylight.

Thanks for everything,

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Dave