53 Super Jet Won't Start

interceptor

I am not a long-time Hudson owner but have enjoyed driving my 53 Super Jet. I drove the Jet to a show last night and this morning it wouldn't start. Initially the engine turned over fine but I did not have spark. I adjusted the points, checked all wiring connections, cleaned the cap and rotor (nearly new), checked all spark plug leads (also nearly new) and now do have spark on all 6 plugs. I checked fuel flow to the carbs, it is fine and carb filters are clean. I did a compression check and have 4 cylinders at 90PSI and two at 80 PSI, which is a bit low but I would think the engine should still run. The fuel is ethanol-free 90 octane and I pumped out half a gallon to check for moisture and it was good.  I am charging the battery (still 6Volt) up to give it another try tomorrow. I have seen reference to jumping with a 12V battery just to get it going then switching back to 6Volt.  I have the chokes set to be fully closed when starting cold.  I did try spraying some starting fluid in the carbs with no success.

Suggestions?

Jon B

Just some random thoughts:

If you have a spare condenser you might try installing that.  Condensers have a nasty way of dying, unannounced.  Even fairly new ones.

You're getting gas to the carbs but I'm just curious: if you removed the air cleaner and looked into the carb, then pulled the throttle linkage all the way, does the carb spray gas down the throat?

By the way, is the starter turning over briskly, or does it seem sluggish?  Have you cleaned the battery cable and ground strap connections at both ends?  And, does your engine have TWO ground straps, one from battery to engine and the other from engine to body?  I've had instances where the terminal connection was not good, and when I hit the starter absolutely nothing happened.  A quick cleaning of the battery post and cable connection, got me going.

Lance

In addition to what Jon said you may want to check your voltage regulator. 

onerare39

I have been stranded twice, once in my Hudson, once in my Studebaker.  After diagnosis by swapping numerous parts it turned out to be the rotor in both instances. 

John

 

mcclearydorian

Hope you have gotten it started by now. If not just a few suggestions, my 53 super jet had the same issue at the beginning of the year, drove it to school one day, went out to start it the next and it wouldnt fire. We practically went through the same steps checking for spark so forth and so on. Come to find out the reason it would'nt start was due to the carbs flooding out the spark once the sparkplug was in the head. Had both carbs rebuilt and it has ran great since then. Another thought have you checked to see if your carbs are synched? Dealing with the twin h setup can be tricky sometimes. Between me and my dad we have 5 jets 53 and 54, all are still 6 volt and none of them have two ground straps, only the one from the engine to the battery so dont spend to much time looking/woorying for the second. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me at mcclearydorian@yahoo.com or call me at 937 408 0605 would be more than willing to help with any issues your having. Also have a very large collection of jet parts if needed.