Hard to start

[ArtimusGordon]

Engine turns over normally but when I PULL the choke out,momentarily, the engine STALLS but SLOWLY continues to turn then FIRES and runs. I have a 6volt battery and did a load test on it and it tested fine. I also did a vacuum test and all indicates normal. I have the same starting problem when the engine is warm on a restart. Could this be a starter problem? Can I test the starter with out removing it from the engine?

[wmws]

Sounds like too much advance on start up. Do you have the spark control all the way up when cranking.

[ArtimusGordon]

I forgot to mention I have a B engine with B distributor and B carb. I was thinking about changing the distributor back to a stock A and see if that changes my problem.

[wmws]

You might check your static timing and see if it is close to O* or at TDC. If it is advance more that a few degrees you may get kick back. That is the slowing of the starter you are hearing.

[johnbuckley]

x2. Retard it a bit and see if that helps.

[WHN]

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Timing!

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[Patrick L.]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'stalls'. Was the engine running, then shuts down and restarts ? Or does it just slow down or spin slower while cranking ?

The Model B initial timing is 9º advanced over the Model A. Retarding it a few degrees may help.

You can also check the draw on the starter motor while cranking [ignition off], that will give an indication of the health of the starter.

[ArtimusGordon]

Well I feel foolish. Months ago I installed a rebuilt B distributor. Lately I’ve been having a momentary miss, when starting out from a stop. I checked the point gap and sure enough there was very little so I adjusted the point gap and no more miss. Well I forgot my advice to club members that point gap AFECTS TIMING... DUH! Soooo I adjusted the timing and NO MORE STALL while starting. My THANKS to all who set me straight. 👍 😊

[chap52]

Thanks for sharing your adventure. It's a good reminder for us all. Chap

[Patrick L.]

Well, with an A Model it usually is something basic. At least it was an easy fix.

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by wmws

You might check your static timing and see if it is close to O* or at TDC. If it is advance more that a few degrees you may get kick back. That is the slowing of the starter you are hearing.

A good way to check and see if TOO advanced initial timing kick back is the problem . turn the ignition switch OFF and try the starter . If the starter doesn't try to buck and kick back and spins as normal with the switch off ,The timing is the problem . Another thing to consider is that the spark should ALLWAYS be fully retarded when starting the engine .