Was running and now wont start...

30aadoodlebug

30aadoodlebug

Senior Member
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?
 
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
 
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!
 
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.
 
30aadoodlebug said:
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?
Click to expand...

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
 
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!
 
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