The Ford Barn

30aadoodlebug · 03-18-2018, 03:55 PM

So during the last storm here I was plowing the drive with my doodlebug and ran into some issues. The truck started and ran fine, and then after plowing for about 5 minutes, I began losing power and was getting carb flooding sounds. I checked the carb and the float was fine, but what was interesting is the truck was running best at almost full retard on the spark lever. While backing her up to put back in the barn, I got a good backfire and black smoke that smelled electrical as well. She's sat in the barn since, and I started to troubleshoot today to no avail.

The gas lines have been cleaned, float is fine, all electrical checks out, and the damn thing still wont kick over.

Thoughts?

30 Mike · 03-18-2018, 04:12 PM

did you check timing and spark? sounds like timing is off either gear or distributor cam?

mantta · 03-18-2018, 04:13 PM

Sounds like a timing gear issue.

30aadoodlebug · 03-18-2018, 04:19 PM

Timing is fine. This has really gotten me...

Ernie Vitucci · 03-18-2018, 04:25 PM

Good afternoon...Just a couple of things you could check. How about your condenser? I also wonder if the vent in your gas cap has clogged up. Look to see if your amp meter wiggles when you crank. If it doesn't then the wires might be loose, or you have a short in the system. Also the wires on the ignition switch might be loose and if not a 'Pop Out' a loose wire might be shorting to the gas tank. Tighten the wire and add some electrical tape. Ernie

Big hammer · 03-18-2018, 04:29 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Air, fuel, spark, check off air, right amount of fuel not to much, not to little. Pull the coil wire and hold 1/4 inch from head nut, you should have a hot spark!

burner31 · 03-18-2018, 04:56 PM

Is the point lever on the distribitor up against the cap with the spark lever full up?
The steering colulm can loosen up and shift, throwing the spark lever adjustment way off.
Just a thought, it happened to me and I was pulling out my hair until I figured it out.

Bob C · 03-18-2018, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30aadoodlebug

So during the last storm here I was plowing the drive with my doodlebug and ran into some issues. The truck started and ran fine, and then after plowing for about 5 minutes, I began losing power and was getting carb flooding sounds. I checked the carb and the float was fine, but what was interesting is the truck was running best at almost full retard on the spark lever. While backing her up to put back in the barn, I got a good backfire and black smoke that smelled electrical as well. She's sat in the barn since, and I started to troubleshoot today to no avail.

The gas lines have been cleaned, float is fine, all electrical checks out, and the damn thing still wont kick over.

Thoughts?

Not to likely but if the stock generator became disconnected from the battery it can put out up to 40 volts and fry the coil or condenser.

Bob

30aadoodlebug · 03-18-2018, 05:45 PM

Hey all, and thanks for all your input!

Upon closer inspection once I dropped the oil pan, I noticed I had a hanging tooth on the old timing gear. I've never seen one partially break; usually clean off in my experience. Kudos to those who were right- I should have trusted you guys off the bat! I'll be replacing that soon with a new metal gear.

Thanks again guys, as always you are a true wealth of knowledge!

03-18-2018, 03:55 PM	#1
30aadoodlebug Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boxborough, MA Posts: 274	Was running and now wont start... So during the last storm here I was plowing the drive with my doodlebug and ran into some issues. The truck started and ran fine, and then after plowing for about 5 minutes, I began losing power and was getting carb flooding sounds. I checked the carb and the float was fine, but what was interesting is the truck was running best at almost full retard on the spark lever. While backing her up to put back in the barn, I got a good backfire and black smoke that smelled electrical as well. She's sat in the barn since, and I started to troubleshoot today to no avail. The gas lines have been cleaned, float is fine, all electrical checks out, and the damn thing still wont kick over. Thoughts?

03-18-2018, 04:12 PM	#2
30 Mike Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 43	Re: Was running and now wont start... did you check timing and spark? sounds like timing is off either gear or distributor cam?

03-18-2018, 04:13 PM	#3
mantta Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Keweenaw Bay, MI (Michigan's Upper Peninsula) Posts: 218	Re: Was running and now wont start... Sounds like a timing gear issue.

03-18-2018, 04:19 PM	#4
30aadoodlebug Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boxborough, MA Posts: 274	Re: Was running and now wont start... Timing is fine. This has really gotten me...

03-18-2018, 04:25 PM	#5
Ernie Vitucci Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 611	Re: Was running and now wont start... Good afternoon...Just a couple of things you could check. How about your condenser? I also wonder if the vent in your gas cap has clogged up. Look to see if your amp meter wiggles when you crank. If it doesn't then the wires might be loose, or you have a short in the system. Also the wires on the ignition switch might be loose and if not a 'Pop Out' a loose wire might be shorting to the gas tank. Tighten the wire and add some electrical tape. Ernie

03-18-2018, 04:29 PM	#6
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: Was running and now wont start... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Air, fuel, spark, check off air, right amount of fuel not to much, not to little. Pull the coil wire and hold 1/4 inch from head nut, you should have a hot spark! __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

03-18-2018, 04:56 PM	#7
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Was running and now wont start... Is the point lever on the distribitor up against the cap with the spark lever full up? The steering colulm can loosen up and shift, throwing the spark lever adjustment way off. Just a thought, it happened to me and I was pulling out my hair until I figured it out. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

03-18-2018, 05:45 PM	#9
30aadoodlebug Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boxborough, MA Posts: 274	Re: Was running and now wont start... Hey all, and thanks for all your input! Upon closer inspection once I dropped the oil pan, I noticed I had a hanging tooth on the old timing gear. I've never seen one partially break; usually clean off in my experience. Kudos to those who were right- I should have trusted you guys off the bat! I'll be replacing that soon with a new metal gear. Thanks again guys, as always you are a true wealth of knowledge!