HELP! Engine almost starts but won't

[Deleted User]

I recently purchased a 1954 Hudson Hornet Special that had been setting for quite some time. It has the Twin H setup and the engine turned over at time of purchase. In trying to get it started here is what I have done;



New plugs and plug wires, good distributor, cleaned all connections, set all gaps to spec. The engine is getting spark and fuel. It will almost start but just won't make it. THere is no timing line on the flywheel so I am guessing at setting number one piston at TDC so as to set the timing. I am doing this by removing all of the plugs, holding my thumb on the number one plug hole, and waiting for the compression stroke to "bump" my thumb. I think I am pretty close.



Any ideas to get this thing over the hump? How about cold weather starting fluid? Jumping it with a 12 volt battery? The six volt turns it over okay.



Thanks for any help you can provide,

Doug

bull_islander

I'm sure plenty others with far more knowledge will chime in with suggestions, here's one to fill that void in the meantime...

The distributor rotates clockwise/counter clockwise. make sure it's in the right place. Remove the lead wire to the cap when you're at TDC. Hold it next to the block and rotate the distributor. When you get the spark, tighten it down. (Correct me if I got that wrong, fellas)

Jumping it with a 12 volt can toast your points if you're not careful.

Are you saying the flywheel has no mark or that you can't see it? I colored mine with some liquid paper (white out). Very easy to see when the light flashes on it.

Ol racer

Additionally, If you never had it started it may be the following...

Old bad gas and not very combustionable

Very low compression/Sticking valve

Check that there is spark right at the plug gap by cranking while each S/plug is removed (Check that each cyl 'pops' your thumb off plug hole)

Check Firing Order



Regarding Starting Fluid... I never used it trying to start an old Hudson due to a lot of other problems it could create.



I have started 'stubborn' 6V motors using 12V Battery by buying a '67 Chevy 12V coil & Resistor Avail at any Auto Store;( The Resistor will drop the voltage to the Points).The starter will be ok if you dont crank long periods. If keep 12V, the Starter 'Solonoid' would need changed to a 12V Sol.

Good luck

Unknown

Doug c,

Be very careful . I did this with a 53 superwasp that I bought. The engine was loose and turned over nice , I squirted oil down the cylinders and hooked up a battery, put some gas in the carb and cranked it over...wouln't start. It would fire a bit but no go. I put a little more gas in the carb and tried again the car fired and blew the oil filler cap right past my right ear and it hit the ceiling in my shop. At that point I pulled the head and found a hole in #6 piston the size of a silver dollar. I should have done a compression test first and I would strongly recommend that to you. If you have good compression in all cylinders then try to start it.....my 2 cents

[Deleted User]

Possible very loose timing chain and slipped a notch. Usually happens when trying to start car. May be why parked a while ago.



Randy

rambos_ride

I'd suggest buying a 6 volt capable charger with a quick start.

You can go to Sears, or most auto parts stores and still buy a 12/6V charger.

I bought this one on sale for 170+-

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871234000P?vName=Automotive

If I had to buy a new one I'd probably step up and get this one instead for the added capability of 18,24 volt batteries..

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200331941_200331941


A compression check is a good simple test to perform - that'd be my first choice as mentioned above.

If that checks out I'd be looking at the points again, is there a condensor or resisitor ? Even "new" parts can be bad.

What is your fuel pressure like?

Potential vacuum leak at the base of the carb?

Exhaust Heat Riser? Is it open? Is the Choke working?

Clutchguy

Possible very loose timing chain and slipped a notch. Usually happens when trying to start car. May be why parked a while ago.





As Randy said,this is probably what happen. Low compression,relatively even,is also another sign of a very weak timing chain. As always,diagnose the problem before throwing a bunch of parts at it.Good luck

Hudsonrules

:eek:Hi Doug, do a compresion test first, any number of things need to be checked, proper fuel, weak timing chain, bad points defective wire somewhere, poor condenser, bad cap or rotor,if everything checks out, check the timing, distributor in backwards, off 180 degrees? Good Luck, Arnie

mars55

One thing to check is too made sure that the choke is all the way closed. Hudsons like lots of choke. My '49 Commodore had trouble starting when cold. Turned out the choke was not closing all the way. Had about 1/8" opening. Repaired and readjusted the choke and now it starts great.