So we replaced the battery to an Optima Red Top. The car still cranks slow (little faster) but won't fire. To recap we have new plugs, plug cables, coil, battery, points, condenser, rotor, The motor seems difficult to turn by hand. By key it will turn slowly but not fire. Would this be stuck valves? We took off the cover for the valves and looked at everything. Can a visual tell us what is stuck? We sprayed some penetrating oil there. We keep hearing about MMO but haven't found in Canada yet. We know we may have to pull the head off but would pref to try whatever else we can first. If we do pull off the head where does one find gaskets?

We have 6 volt system.

Who would have thought batteries would be complicated?

Our choice seems to be one which the shop says is more like the original 19" long, 4" wide and 10" high, with 1025 CA and 850 CCA

OR

12" long, 6 1/2" wide and 10" high (more like a "regular" battery) 1250 CA and 1000 CCA

Neither will fit so we will have to make adjustments.

Does anyone have any recommendations or does it matter? Did original battery sit in the same spot as regular battery (front on driver side?).

Thank you!

We are off to get a new battery tomorrow. Just removing the surface charge from battery to load test and battery died just turning lights on. I think there might be something else going on but as per the previous post I think we need a battery with more gusto anyway. What's another 100 bucks right? 😉

I think we will have a look at the valves. The last compression test was lower than the previous one. Would you be able to tell us what the compression should be? We will check the CCA amps on the battery as well.

Thank you all again for your help and patience.

Owen, sorry I should say that car stops trying to start after 10 seconds. The battery seems to still have charge.

When we crank the car by hand it is not easy. My hubbie has to put some muscle in it. Should it be easy? Does that mean stuck valves?

Sorry, yes fresh gas. Tested fuel pump. It's getting gas but like everything a bit sluggish. The battery dies after 10 seconds of trying to start so it's hard to test in a way. We bought a multimeter and tested wires for continuity and voltage. Seems ok.

New plugs and we did clean them. No change in speed when plugs are out. Would you be able to turn engine by hand if valves stuck? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I keep thinking voltage drop but wouldn't we be able to jump the car with 12 volt if it was the battery? Nothing we do makes a difference. If valves are stuck can we put something in or is it necessary to pull the engine apart?

Thanks Don. We can turn the motor by hand. The starter and solenoid were taken to shop and the starter spun like crazy.

We checked the cables, battery, fuel pump and starter...all good. Cables are large ones...I showed hubbie this post and that's what we have. Car battery has charge but as soon as we try to start the car, engine turns slowly but won't crank and dies. Battery still has 6 volts power. We repaired a couple of wires. We cleaned and sanded all connections. Are there any fuses or anything else anyone can think of? Remember I'm new at this and just helping my hubbie. Thanks. 😃. We just want her to start. 😞. I should mention we have tried to jump off of a 12 volt and it turns a bit faster but then dies...still dead slow though.