Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

This started about a month ago....I crank it over with electric start and the motor is turning but suddenly it almost freezes with a hard "stop" but then continues to crank . This may happen once or several times before it starts.

I thought the battery may have been losing it's cranking amps as it was 6 years old, so I got a new dry cell 6 volt. Still doing it. I'm thinking I'll reset timing, but why would timing just fade away? Yes the spark is retarded on starting.

Thoughts

Thanks Jim

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

I would definitely check the timing. Maybe the screw holding the cam was not tight enough and the cam slipped.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Your lever may be up,but that distributor is not retarded. Check that linkage and make sure the cam is not rotating a little.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

point cap may have closed up!

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

If the hard stop is near TDC, it's probably the timing rater than a battery/starter.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

I had this same problem when I first got my A. The battery cables were to small for a 6 volt system. It would turn over a few times then suddenly stop on the compression stroke. After a few times of that it would eventually start.
Just something else to try.
Good luck

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Can you elaborate? I don't think I've heard of them.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

KATY: The battery has no liquid acid in it, can't spill. Jim's Battery sells them to look exactly like original battery, but many makes are out there. Snyder's sells this version:

OPTIMA BATTERY 6V
A-10655-6
The Optima is a sealed battery so we are able to ship it within the U.S. by UPS or Federal Express.

I my have used the wrong term, "SEALED" it may be Glass Mat :---BU-201a: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
Learn what differentiate AGM from other lead acid battery types

AGM technology became popular in the early 1980s as a sealed lead acid battery for military aircraft, vehicles and UPS to reduce weight and improve reliability. The sulfuric acid is absorbed by a very fine fiberglass mat, making the battery spill-proof. This enables shipment without hazardous material restrictions.

At any rate it can't leak.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Did the original issue get resolved? Curious minds are wondering....

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

jg61hawk, got the picture, thanks for the info, Ken

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Bill G,,,Not sure yet....Today I used the Nu Rex tool and set timing and "step 3" extrta retard" for easy starting. Problem continued. I then did the manual old way and set timing with test light and by hand... I THINK the problem is gone...just not trusting yet...I'll always post the solution...may have a new situation too. Was running good than developed a backfire like an hour later....CONDENSER??? I'll post,

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Unrelated, you wouldn't happen to be a Studebaker owner are you ?

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Did the "backfire" sound like a shotgun out the exhaust, or was it more of a cough at the carb?

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Patrick L...Yes 61 hawk.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

The hard stop was apparently related to timing. The backfire was loud shotgun, actually neighbors came over.... I think I resolved that too. Long story: When I got the new battery (Jim' Auto battery formally Antique Auto battery) the instructions were very clear don't let it charge over 8 volts. I ended up moving the brush on the generator all the way up to only get 7 volts. At any rate generator was not charging the battery and when I checked the battery had only 6.02 running. I assume the low voltage was breaking down the spark system, because I upped the charge and things got all better.

Re: Cranking Then a Hard Stop...Then Cranks
 

Glad its fixed. I happen to like Studebakers even more than 'As'. I was born in a Studebaker parts room.