WOAH! Won't Start! What have I done?

[slhilbert]

Well, I am back and things have gone from bad to worse.

I took the carb off, cleaned it, put it back on. Same result as before.

I bit the bullet and bought a new carb, wouldn't hardly even start. Just putter and die.

I played with the timing at the distributor cap by rotating it, didn't help.

Took old carb apart again, adjust floats cleaned it, etc. Still nothing.

Replaced the fuel lines and sediment bowl (Getting desperate at this point).

I checked spark and I have a good spark on all three wires.

I feel like I maybe have messed up the timing really bad because at this point I can't even get it to pop off really.

I decided to cut the fuel line off and just try starter fluid as I thought that would tell me if the carb is having an issue. I did this and the starter fluid is just blowing out the exhaust. I might get one really loud back fire and that is it.

I am attaching a short video for you to see what I am trying to describe. PLEASE HELP! AHHH!!!!

Thank you,
Stuart

 

[kirkawilson]

First, make sure the plug wires are connected to the correct distributor port. Then I would remove the distributor cap and clean the points and condenser; maybe replace both. Then check the plastic distributor cap closely for any hairline cracks and corrosion on the contacts. Replace if needed. Also check the rotor cap for corrosion at the contracts. Plug wires are another possible problem, if old and faded.

 

[Tinhack]

The backfire says you have the timing wrong. Ditto what @kirkawilson says.

 

[KWentling]

Google "static timing an engine". Following the procedure should get it close enough to run. Have you looked at the spark plugs? The white smoke makes me think it may be flooded and the plugs are wet.

 

[gstrom99]

Boy, that sure seems to crank fast, like low compression. Perhaps cam timing, negative valve lash? Do a compression test.

 

[redman135]

) Is there spark at the spark plugs? You did not say where you tested the spark.
2) What are the compession numbers?
3) When using starter fluid turn the engine over and squirt starter fluid in(while turning) to stop the big back fire.

 

[slhilbert]

Sorry I have been out camping with scouts.

I pulled each plug and tested for spark and they are all getting spark. I haven't done a compression test, but that is next, I am worried, I have a real big issue.

I will do all the suggestions and let you know.

Thanks,
Stuart

 

[slhilbert]

Thanks guys. Finally got down and dirty with the tractor yesterday and as of now I thinking we got it working boys. Will need to get a bush hog on it and see what it does, but it has passed all the tests I have put it through.

Here are things I ended up doing.

1. Cleaned up and refurbished an old carb I had lying around. That got at least a pop out of it.
2. Replaced the points.
3. Replaced the coil (don't think this was needed, but I paniced)
4. Rotated distributor cap to get the timing in. On mine I would say the #3 terminal on the distributor cap is pointing towards the #1 spark plug.

This got it start with Full Choke only.

1. Next I got played with the main jet getting it dialed in so I didn't need the choke.
2. Then played with the mixture to get that dialed in.
3. Finally rotated the distributor cap just a bit to dial everything.

Thanks everyone so much for the advice and help. I was pretty desperate and feeling like I was screwed.

Thanks,
Stuart