The Ford Barn

[email protected] · 10-10-2022, 08:32 PM

I know it’s my fault - left my restored 1930 Model A sitting for 6 years without pickling the engine. Lots of rust in the tank and carburetor clogged. Spent the weekend rebuilding the carb and cleaning all the gunk out. Used a rebuild kit to replace all the jets.
Checked distributor; coil is firing, producing spark, points working.

Engine won’t fire.

How do I tell if the gas vapor is actually reaching the cylinders?

Spark plugs may be frozen; hints on how to remove them?

Synchro909 · 10-10-2022, 08:54 PM

Don't worry about the plugs being stuck in the head till you prove they are, then come back. Assuming the plugs will come out, try starting it (full choke till it fires) and if unsuccessful, remove the plugs and see if they are wet with fuel. If they are, you are on the way. If not, dribble a SMALL amount (several drops) of fuel down the plug holes and try again. It should fire at least but may not continue to run.
If the plugs are seized, try soaking them overnight with a penetrating lubricant, then use a bigger spanner. I use a ring spanner and I'm not afraid to give it a fair grunt.
There is no point trying any of this unless you have replaced the fuel. 6 years old fuel is waaaay past its use by.

Mulletwagon · 10-11-2022, 07:18 AM

Once the plugs are out consider doing a compression check to ensure no valves are stuck. Adding Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas (4 oz per tank full) would be helpful.

aermotor · 10-11-2022, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I know it’s my fault - left my restored 1930 Model A sitting for 6 years without pickling the engine. Lots of rust in the tank and carburetor clogged. Spent the weekend rebuilding the carb and cleaning all the gunk out. Used a rebuild kit to replace all the jets.
Checked distributor; coil is firing, producing spark, points working.

Engine won’t fire.

How do I tell if the gas vapor is actually reaching the cylinders?

Spark plugs may be frozen; hints on how to remove them?

Pull the carb drain plug and see if fuel runs out. You may still have a fuel blockage further upstream.

CT Jack · 10-11-2022, 08:08 AM

Check your timing. You could be firing completely out of phase.

Big hammer · 10-11-2022, 08:56 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

How to tell if your getting gas vapors into the cylinder’s, what goes in must come out, smell the tail pipe!

katy · 10-11-2022, 09:35 AM

Turn the engine over w/the hand crank, can you feel the compression on all 4 cylinders?

Will N · 10-11-2022, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

Turn the engine over w/the hand crank, can you feel the compression on all 4 cylinders?

Bingo! After sitting for all those years, sticking valves are probable. MMO in the gas and oil can help.

10-10-2022, 08:32 PM	#1
[email protected] Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 13	Starting Issues I know it’s my fault - left my restored 1930 Model A sitting for 6 years without pickling the engine. Lots of rust in the tank and carburetor clogged. Spent the weekend rebuilding the carb and cleaning all the gunk out. Used a rebuild kit to replace all the jets. Checked distributor; coil is firing, producing spark, points working. Engine won’t fire. How do I tell if the gas vapor is actually reaching the cylinders? Spark plugs may be frozen; hints on how to remove them?

10-10-2022, 08:54 PM	#2
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,504	Re: Starting Issues Don't worry about the plugs being stuck in the head till you prove they are, then come back. Assuming the plugs will come out, try starting it (full choke till it fires) and if unsuccessful, remove the plugs and see if they are wet with fuel. If they are, you are on the way. If not, dribble a SMALL amount (several drops) of fuel down the plug holes and try again. It should fire at least but may not continue to run. If the plugs are seized, try soaking them overnight with a penetrating lubricant, then use a bigger spanner. I use a ring spanner and I'm not afraid to give it a fair grunt. There is no point trying any of this unless you have replaced the fuel. 6 years old fuel is waaaay past its use by. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

10-11-2022, 07:18 AM	#3
Mulletwagon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 585	Re: Starting Issues Once the plugs are out consider doing a compression check to ensure no valves are stuck. Adding Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas (4 oz per tank full) would be helpful.

10-11-2022, 08:08 AM	#5
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 432	Re: Starting Issues Check your timing. You could be firing completely out of phase.

10-11-2022, 08:56 AM	#6
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Starting Issues Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) How to tell if your getting gas vapors into the cylinder’s, what goes in must come out, smell the tail pipe! __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

10-11-2022, 09:35 AM	#7
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Starting Issues Turn the engine over w/the hand crank, can you feel the compression on all 4 cylinders? __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!