Re: Starter question

Posted by HH56 On 2015/5/28 12:47:36

Starters are not as fast as modern but still turn the engine over reasonably well.

You need to verify a couple of things. One is the voltage to the coil while the starter is turning. If the starter is pulling a lot of current for some reason -- or the battery cables are replacements that are too small -- or battery is partially discharged or too small and doesn't have the capacity -- or there are bad or dirty connections then the voltage to the coil will drop. If the voltage drops much below 4 1/2 volts the spark starts to suffer and may not be reliably firing the plugs. 6v cars don't have a lot of leeway and need a good sound electrical system particularly when starting.

You didn't mention the condition of the motor other than putting it back in the car. Was it rebuilt or just cleaned up. If just cleaned, what is the compression in the cylinders -- you said you have compression but is it enough and still adequate in all cylinders. The inline 8s are known for occasionally sticking valves -- either from sitting and rust on the stems or else firing up after a long sit and using old gas. After a short run on old gas it seems to stick the valves in short order. If the compression is low from valves or rings not sealing then it will have a very hard job starting.

Even if compression is good, another thing that could have happened with the long or many trials at starting without success is the plugs have become fouled. I would check them and make sure they are not moist from fuel or have an oily coating from something else that is affecting their ability to spark.