First time engine start problem (non start)

[qmdv]

I tried to start my fresh 59AB engine this morning. 12 volt system, two rebuilt Stromberg 97's (by Max Musgrove) and a crab ignition. Battery was a bit low so it did not turn over very long and did not even pop once. So I pulled number 1 spark plug and it sparked just before TDC. The spark was not very impressive. Here is my coil set up

[cas3]

if thats the bosch blue coil, you should not have a ballast resistor in the line

[Phil Gillespie]

If you have spark and battery charge is low then best to fully charge battery.
Then check fuel is being admitted through carbs to inlet manifold.
Then give it a go with a fully charged battery and fuel being supplied to inlet manifold.
You should get it running or attempting to fire with these conditions met.
Once running check for oil pressure!!!
Phil NZ

[Red98]

I always squirt a little 'Engine Starting Fluid ' down a throat. If the spark is ok, it will kick a few turns even if the fuel system is awry. If the fuel system is ok, lack of kick means spark is awry. If both fuel and spark are ok, engine will come alive.

FYI- for engine photos it helps to place a large piece of cardboard on the far side to elliminate the myriad of stuff in the background. I always have large pieces of cardboard on hand to lay on. It's easy on bare elbows.

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by cas3

if thats the bosch blue coil, you should not have a ballast resistor in the line

It is a Bosch blue. Are you sure about the ballast resistor. Will having the ballast resistor cause a lesser spark? Just tried it a few minutes ago. Oh and I built a timing pointer and filed a notch in pulley to mark #1 TDC

Battery on slow charge tell tomorrow. Have starting fluid on hand as I have several old farm tractors here. I will give it another try instead of watching supper bowl. And will report.

[cas3]

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bosch blue has internal resistor. that would explain the weak spark. full battery would be nice too. get a blue spark, then give it a shot down the carb if its never had a drink before. she'll fire rite up

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Be aware that some Bosch blues do not have an internal ballast resistor. I bought a bunch last year or so on Bubba’s reco. I use the Chrysler unit resistor. Are you running a Pertronix conversion? I seem to remember the wire colors being reversed for the early units ....

[cas3]

hmm, seems to me bubba is who told me not to use a resistor with the blue. any one else?

[cas3]

heres everything you ever wanted to know about coils by bubba himself. note that in part 3 he says bosch blue=no resistor https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...stions.439044/

[cas3]

heres another with the part number https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-a-sbc.929108/

[cas3]

another, see post #4 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...sistor.354225/

[Ggmac]

Bosch blue no external resistor.

[qmdv]

So to make sure I have a 4.0 ohm resistance coil do I just put the leads on the + and the - coil terminals

[Black Fifty]

Seems like I've heard folks suggesting to steer clear of starting fluid. Opinions?
Mike

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by Black Fifty

Seems like I've heard folks suggesting to steer clear of starting fluid. Opinions?
Mike

Starting fluid (ether ) burns much hotter than gasoline. Some folks use too much and that can cause major damage. Just a touch is all you need. More is not better this time.

[Mart]

I've never used starting fluid, but I always tip some fresh gas straight down the carb when starting a fresh engine, or one that has sat for a long time. I'd start with the air cleaners off, so I can tip some gas in, bt also so after it is running I can check the balance between the carbs.

Mart.

[tubman]

I have a known, good stock intake manifold/carburetor/fuel pump setup that I always use for initial starts. It eliminates one whole problem area right from the start.

[flatjack9]

Originally Posted by qmdv

So to make sure I have a 4.0 ohm resistance coil do I just put the leads on the + and the - coil terminals

Yes. 3.5 to 4 ohms.

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by flatjack9

Yes. 3.5 to 4 ohms.

Just checked it and it reads 3. I think I better get a meter that reads at least one digit to the right of the decimal point. No point in going farther tell I do that.

[cas3]

yes, gas down the carb is what i ment by "give it a shot", not either. either is a wonderful thing for tired or cold diesels but i have never seen it help much on a gas motor. i would remove the external ballast and fire it up!