The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1959 Apache starting problem

Ok, so it's been a couple of decades since I worked on old motors but this one is just kicking my butt. I have changed out the gas tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, added a glass bowl filter, rebuilt carb, change dist cap, points, condensor, rotor, wires, and plugs (regapped). I have one of those device that shows the spark inline with the plug and wire. I have poured gas directly in carb and the engine makes no attempt at starting. I played with the dist to advance and retard the timing. Engien motors over with starter no problem. It just won't fire. I pulled the valve cover to make sure the valves are opening and closing.. Just looking for something that I am obviously overlooking.

Thanks for your help

Have you done a compression test? We would need to know which engine it is to suggest anything further.

I have not done a compression test. The engine is a stock 235. Even if the compression were low wouldn't it make some attempt at firing?

Only if the timing is right. Sometimes they will spit or sputter if 180 out. Also check the plugs again. While each one is out hold it against ground and observe while cranking to see that the spark is actually getting all the way into the combustion chamber.

If your compression was low, you can put a couple squirts of oil in through the plug holes to temporarily increase compression for the start up. This won't fix the low compression problem but will allow you to get it going so you can determine if the engine is salvageable or a boat anchor.

I would think that there should at least be some attempt to fire even if timing its off, and even if the engine is worn out. It might fire out of the carb, or exhaust or at least sputter if you have spark and fuel. Easy on the gas down the carb too.

I would go back through the points, plug gap, distributor cap and rotor and cap, point gap and timing...and then try it again. Pay attention to plug and point gaps. Condensers also come faulty out of the box. If nothing seems to work, try your old condenser for giggles.

Coil?

Bruce,

I thought about that late yesterday and switched out the coil. I saw the first sign of life with one small backfire through the carb. It wasn't much, just a small puff but it is the first sign that something may be trying to work.

Next step is to verify the compression as suggested. I have noticed that some of the valves seem really lose. I will try to cold adjust them to get in the ball park and make sure the timing mark is close.

One other thought that just popped in my head.... These old trucks use leaded gas. As far as i know nothing has been done to this engine. Would that have any impact on trying to get it started? I would think it would start at least but then the lack of lead in the gas could damage the valves I guess....

Thanks again for your help...

I wouldn't worry about leaded vs. unleaded. It should still run fine and a lot of folks don't think it's even necessary to update them for the newer gas.

You're on the right track. Cold-adjust valves, set timing statically, make sure you've got compression, spark and gas and the thing should fire.