Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

BrianJ · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 4:27 pm Post subject: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

I"m having a problem getting my 1951 TO-20 to run. Over the year, had head rebuilt and replaced a cylinder sleeve. Now it does not want to run. Very hard to start and keep running. Was checking the spark with one of the plugs removed and the darn thing started right up. I repeated this with the other plugs and found the engine started right away when either plug 2 or 4 was removed. Can anyone provide insight as to why it starts immediately with a plug removed, but barely starts with all plugs in?

Xwild · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 4:30 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

Not a clue, but my first thought was, Wrong Firing Order?

BrianJ · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

Hmm, I had that thought too. Everything there checked out okay. Forgot to mention that all four plugs have good spark.

PackardV8 · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

Maybe low or no compressuon. Run a compression check.

marloweg · Guest Report to Moderator

wrong firing order or way of time

Tony in Mass. · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

Did you work on or disassemble the wiring or distributor lately? Might be way out of time, compression is so off, it would rather start with no compression in one.. Rather than spin or rotate the dist, Find #1 top dead, then be sure the rotor is under #1 wire on the cap, etc etc.
A few weeks ago I posted how my Cockshutt flathead Cont F164 only started again with one wire several inches above the plug, and a long spark between the two. wierd, but it did the trick. Before that I did everything I could think of to be certain the timing was not messed up.

2tractors · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 5:57 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

Firing order goes well with the correct rotation. Don't just check the firing order alone, also check that it's in a ccw rotation.Check for bent pushrods on 2 and 4 or bent valves.

wisbaker · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:00 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

I got this feeling you got those two wires crossed what is your firing order and distributor rotation?

Rob Tholin · Regular Joined: 27 Nov 2010 Posts: 25 Report to Moderator

I suspect restricted exhaust.
Dis connect exhaust pipe from manifold and see if it runs.
Rob

Bendee · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

My TEA20 starts on 3. The old way of inflating a tyre was to screw the hose into the spark plug hole.

504 · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

We bought a M Farmall that ran like that for $500.00, I uncrossed the plug wires, and made $1500.00 on it.

Bruce(OR) · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:53 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

Just for the fun of it, disconnect 2 and 4 and cross them. Now restart your machine.
Say whuut??

Toora Stephen · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:47 pm Post subject: Re: Runs Better on 3 Cylinders

I have managed to start my TED20 on just 1. However, that is not relevant to this discussion...

- TS

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