flathead wont start

[Ken Arms]

Greetings Barners, I thought I should share this, I have a fresh rebuilt 59ab that ran well but developed a starting problem soon after its first run. I went through everything possible like fuel, ignition,compression etc. with no results. The flattie would try to run, spit and sputter and stall. Turns out...DA stupid me, the condenser had broken free of its bracket and was not grounded! I cant take credit for the find, have to give that to Bubbas ignition service. Hope this helps someone out down the road. Ken

[super flat]

Glad you found it-----Simple things can haunt you! Gary

[Old Henry]

My story is even worse than that, in fact, about as bad as it can get.
I had the same problem and checked all of the same things and could not get the engine running. It was old and hadn't run for 30 years so I thought maybe it just needed rebuilt so I took it to a reputable flathead rebuilder but told him, "I don't want to rebuild this engine if I don't have to. If you can get it running just do that." Well, he called me the next day to tell me he couldn't get it running and already had it out and was starting the rebuild. After a couple of months it was done and back in the car but he was still having problems keeping it going. I went and paid him and hauled it home. Then, and only then, did I remove the condenser (that was put in new not long before) checked it with a multi-meter and found out it was bad (one of the Argentina products that I won't buy any more). Replaced it with an Echlin condenser from NAPA and all was well! How's that for a nice expensive unnecessary repair? For the right diagnosis and a $10.00 condenser I could have saved a $3,000 engine rebuild!

From now on I check all condensers with a multimeter before installing and always check that first when I have any problem.

[Ken Arms]

Wow, what a story! I think I was saved from going that far from my Dad, he used to say an engine needs compression, fuel and spark to run. I knew I had 2 out of 3, what confused me was I did have spark but apperantly very weak, im still not certain but I think the condenser was getting some kind of ground but intermited

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Just a note here to help us all. When sending in a problem distributor to us make sure to include a note of whats going on with the car. I caught the condensor on a second look after reading Kens note on how the car was running etc. With out the note i might have just ripped off all the parts and replaced them.
Would have fixed the problem but wouldnt have known why.

Good luck Ken....

[Mike in AZ]

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good catch of the problem and thanks for posting the solution....might save people from replacing major parts, even a rebuild as Old Henry did....Mike

[Ken Arms]

Hey Bubba, you did a great job, looks good and she puuurrrs! started on the first crank w/o choke! Ken

[49r]

A year ago I was driving my new rebuild home. 50 miles out she started the occasional miss, deteriorating to barely running by the time I (thankfully) lurched up the drive, revving and slipping the clutch to keep it moving. You guessed it - culprit the brand new condensor. Dug out the condensor from the original dizzie that last ran in 1976 and fitted it. Problem cured and it's still running perfectly today.

[1949mercury]

My 49 flathead won't start have fuel and spark. Ran 2yrs ago. Will have to pop the cap and take a look. Just put a new 12v coil with internal resister in it. Was hoping it would just fire up but no luck.

[revkev6]

I'm with you guys on the stupid problems! back many moons ago when my father still had my 28 roadster it started running poorly... it was the end of summer and we were involved in racing at the time so he just limped it into an enclosed trailer and let it sit in the backyard for five years.... well one summer I had the bright idea to see if I could get her fixed as a surprise. I hooked up the charger and got her ready to spin again. I figured out that the fuel pump needed a rebuild. being a teenager and racer I didn't have the cash in hand to buy the part right then (that's pretty bad right?!) so I locked the tidbit of information away and closed up the trailer... fast forward another 5 years and the car lands in my lap. I'm no longer racing, I've got my own house... and now a roadster that only needs a fuel pump to run! rebuild the pump and carbs... and she starts.. but has a NASTY miss especially under any load. hmm... well now.... turns out I had left the ignition ON when I was in the trailer....

new points/coil/condensor that really should not have been needed. stupid kids lol