Engine not starting.

Smooth_One

Smooth_One

Senior Member
Would a bad cutout switch keep the engine from starting?
And I have not referenced my book yet but how do you check them for good or bad?
 
It shouldn't keep the engine from cranking unless it was stuck for long enough to run the battery down a ways. Easiest way to check is measure voltage at both sides of the cutout. Should be ~6V at the output of the cutout where the wires attach and 0V at the generator stud.
 
If you have enough power to crank the engine, then you should have enough to start it.
Look at other sources of trouble.
1. If you have an inline fuse mounted on the starter, check it first.
2. Check that the ignition switch is on (Check for slight discharge on the Ammeter)
3. Check that you have free flow of gas to the carburetor.
 
ryanheacox said:
It shouldn't keep the engine from cranking unless it was stuck for long enough to run the battery down a ways. Easiest way to check is measure voltage at both sides of the cutout. Should be ~6V at the output of the cutout where the wires attach and 0V at the generator stud.
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Thanks I’ll check V on both sides tonight. It cranks over just doesn’t fire.
 
GRutter said:
If you have enough power to crank the engine, then you should have enough to start it.
Look at other sources of trouble.
1. If you have an inline fuse mounted on the starter, check it first.
2. Check that the ignition switch is on (Check for slight discharge on the Ammeter)
3. Check that you have free flow of gas to the carburetor.
Click to expand...

Getting plenty of gas! It’s leaking out of the intake so the float needs some attention for sure. It was running in the driveway the other day after a 30 minute drive and just shut off, like someone turned the key off.
Hasn’t started since. I put a new coil on it and checked the wiring. ???
 
Smooth_One said:
Getting plenty of gas! It’s leaking out of the intake so the float needs some attention for sure. It was running in the driveway the other day after a 30 minute drive and just shut off, like someone turned the key off.
Hasn’t started since. I put a new coil on it and checked the wiring. ???
Click to expand...

When you’re cranking it trying to start it, gas coming out of the carburetor is not a carburetor problem. You just flooded it. Do you have a fuse??
 
Check spark with key on, break the points while holding coil wire near a head bolt. should have a blue to white spark jump each time points are opened. If yellow or orange, may not jump the plug gap. Should have a snap to it that you can hear and jump a gap of 1/4 inch or more, each time points are opened with the key on. (Use a screwdriver with a wooden handle to break the points.
 
Wiring diagram:
 

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Here’s a simple ignition wiring diagram. Just trace where the voltage disappears.
 

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I just had this happen to me and my 1930 Coupe. The fellas on here were quite helpful with gas or electric problems. A friend came over and we determined it was electrical. It was the modern distributor and I replaced the condenser and I SIMPLY PLACED ELECTRICIANS tape over the pieces that came close to the sidewall of the distributor housing and boom! She started right up!
Mark in Fairbanks Alaska
 
Ok so I didn’t mention that I converted in to electronic ignition, but I did keep the manual spark adjustment. The car is running now. I guess when converting to electronic ignition you literally disconnect ALL the factory wires? I didn’t know that. Went through a few glass fuses.
Anyways. That where I’m at tonight.
 
The red wire from the ignition switch to the positive side of the coil was blowing the fuses. Can’t say I’m the best electrician but I’m learning.
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