The Ford Barn

hangarb7 · 08-09-2019, 03:50 PM

Helping a friend with a motor that didn't run for 30 years. He got it started on two occasions but the last one, it puddered down to a halt and we now cannot get it to even puff. I reset the timing which now gives a big smart spark, checked the plugs, fuel flow, and compression.... aha! 1-2-3 show 52-55lbs. Number 4 shows a big nothing. But even with a squirt of fuel into the carb or into the number one cylinder, it doesn't even puff. He did replace the head gasket but that seems a little unlikely doesn't it, with only maybe 20 minutes on the motor? And, would an engine not start if ONE cylinder has no compression? Signed, Stumped in Export, PA

wmws · 08-09-2019, 04:35 PM

It should start fine on three cylinders. Just check the basics fuel, spark, valve and spark timing. If all are correct it will start.

Gary WA · 08-09-2019, 04:54 PM

does it have an in line fuse at the starter?

JohnB15632 · 08-10-2019, 05:24 AM

No, there is no in line fuse at the starter.

Jacksonlll · 08-10-2019, 05:41 AM

Try starter fluid in the carb and see what happens. If he had the manifolds off, there may be a big leak.

100IH · 08-10-2019, 12:16 PM

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Figure out the "0" on #4. Meanwhile think about not firing but save it for later. Also make sure that the screw holding the distributor cam is really holding the cam and can't slip out of time.

Bob C · 08-10-2019, 12:22 PM

So your going to keep is a secret on the problem with number 4??

08-09-2019, 03:50 PM	#1
hangarb7 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: North Versailles, PA Posts: 146	Stumped by no start... Helping a friend with a motor that didn't run for 30 years. He got it started on two occasions but the last one, it puddered down to a halt and we now cannot get it to even puff. I reset the timing which now gives a big smart spark, checked the plugs, fuel flow, and compression.... aha! 1-2-3 show 52-55lbs. Number 4 shows a big nothing. But even with a squirt of fuel into the carb or into the number one cylinder, it doesn't even puff. He did replace the head gasket but that seems a little unlikely doesn't it, with only maybe 20 minutes on the motor? And, would an engine not start if ONE cylinder has no compression? Signed, Stumped in Export, PA

08-09-2019, 04:35 PM	#2
wmws BANNED Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Coatesville, Pa Posts: 719	Re: Stumped by no start... It should start fine on three cylinders. Just check the basics fuel, spark, valve and spark timing. If all are correct it will start.

08-09-2019, 04:54 PM	#3
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,104	Re: Stumped by no start... does it have an in line fuse at the starter? __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

08-10-2019, 05:41 AM	#5
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Stumped by no start... Try starter fluid in the carb and see what happens. If he had the manifolds off, there may be a big leak.

08-10-2019, 12:16 PM	#6
100IH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 970	Re: Stumped by no start... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Figure out the "0" on #4. Meanwhile think about not firing but save it for later. Also make sure that the screw holding the distributor cam is really holding the cam and can't slip out of time.

08-10-2019, 05:24 AM	#4
JohnB15632 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Export, PA (Outside of Pittsburgh) Posts: 520	Re: Stumped by no start... No, there is no in line fuse at the starter.

08-10-2019, 12:22 PM	#7
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,749	Re: Stumped by no start... So your going to keep is a secret on the problem with number 4??