B won't start

[isuvinny72]

I recently bought a 1950 B that was restored about 5 yrs ago. The tractor has pretty much sat since it was restored, and it won't start now (yes I should of made sure it ran before I bought it.....). I only know enough to be dangerous and would appreciate thoughts/steps to take to try to get it going again. It turns over fine, but seems to have no fire. I need to get new gas in there for sure - but waiting for warmer weather to really get working on it. Thanks for any help

 

[J.T.]

Fresh gas is a start, then make sire the fuel shut off is
Not on. After that i would check dor spark. I
Take a plug out to relieve compression
Then lay the wire against the frame and
Turn it over. You should be able to see
The arc. Also i have two B's and both need
To have the throttle forward about an inch
And choke engaged to start. Hope that helped.

 

[old]

As with any gas engine you need to have spark fuel and compression to have it run.
#1 check spark at both plug wires. If no spark then good chance the points need to be cleaned or replaced. Points corrode from sitting for a long time so they need cleaned some times.
#2 you need fuel so pull the carb drain plug and make sure you have a good steady flow of fuel out the carb drain plug. Catch the gas to look for water/dirt etc.
By the way it helps us help you if you fill in a few blanks like mag or distributor and 6 or 12 volts

 

[Mike M]

Sometimes just running some paper between the points will clean them enough to get spark going again.

 

[isuvinny72]

its 6 volt with distributor. I tried the paper between the points, and also roughed up the contacts on the cap....but did not change out the old gas....and I know that is a problem. thanks for the suggestions. I also need to check for spark as was mentioned

 

[old]

Yes you need to check for a good blue/white spark that will jump a 1/4 inch gap or more. Some times cleaning the points takes more then just a piece of paper. I use emery cloth and make sure both sides shine then use a piece of card board like what points come in to clean off what the emery cloth leaves behind

 

[Ben.So.Tex.]

Could have a stuck valve. I have that happen to me before.

 

[ebbsspeed]

Given that you've worked the points a bit, I'd say your old gas is definitely the issue. When did it run last? You said it pretty much sat since being restored 5 years ago, so if it's 5 year old gas it's not gas anymore. You may also have some gummed-up passages in the carb, especially if the fuel wasn't turned off.

 

[B Yoder]

Try changing the condenser too, that might be the problem. Bad condenser...no spark

 

[JRSutton]

sitting 5 years, a very good chance it's your points - that'd be the first guess - check for spark as others have said.

If you are getting spark - try a little starting fluid into the carb.

If that works and it still doesn't run, you've most likely got a pile of rust in your carb.