Hard Starting B (Hand Start)

[Jordan Flagstad]

So I have a 46 B that is a bit hard to start. About impossible on a hand start but I am able to get it started by pulling it with another tractor. Carb is rebuilt, points cleaned, and a new condensor. It has good spark, fuel and a TON of compression and is very hard to turn over (due to compression) by hand even with the pet cocks open.

I don't know much about it as I bought it this way, but I'm thinking that it has some HP pistons among other things in it because once it is running, it seems to have a heck of a lot of snoot to it.

I want to sell it but the hard hand start may be an issue... Any ideas? I am going to verify the valve clearance is correct tonight as well.... What else would cause it to start so hard??

 

[John T]

See if she throws a good high visible BLUE spark when you hand crank her n the mag snaps. If its thin wimpy yellow shes hard to hand start. (maybe weak condensor or coil or points bad)

If a tractor pull starts easy but not hand cranking, the mags srping may be weak. She should SNAP loud n clear n sharp NOT make a faint dull clunk when the mag trips

If it has 18 mm plugs try a fresh set of Autolite 3116 plugs n use wire core plug wires.

Make sure the static start impulse timing is right at TDC, too slow shes hard to start too fast she kicks back

Set throttle at slow idle when hand cranking n if she dont start see if plugs are wet (fouled) or bone dry (needs more choke or carb problem)

John T

 

[PBrowning]

In general - the classic case for a weak impulse spring in the magneto is very hard to hand crank, but starts easily when pulled.

You say, "it has good spark". I define a good spark as one that will jump BLUE across a gap of 3/16-inches. Find an old plug, open its gap to 3/16", then connect the magneto wire to the plug - ground the plug against the tractor and then - see if you get that BLUE jump as you slowly turn the flywheel past impulse! If not, you do not have good spark! A weak impulse spring will result in weak spark on impulse, but once running, the spark may be as hot as a firecracker - from the very same magneto that has the weak spring!!

For a basic discussion of the startng & running timing of a magneto, see the URL cited below - very informative. (PatB)
Electrical Ignition Systems, JD Tractors

 

[PopinJohn]

I agree with what Pat and JohnT said about the impulse spring in the magneto. I'd like to add that my '46 A acted like you describe. Some of my trouble was my mag wasn't timed just right; but even after solving that, I still had trouble with hand start. The most help came from a fresh oil change (30w), adding a bottle of Lucas oil additive, and working the snot out of the A for an hour. I also discoverd that 7/8 choke and 1/4 throttle worked best for hand start. My experience.

 

[RonMC]

Have you talked with other people with hand-starters ? The advice re: impulse spring is good, but I think you need to play with the starting a little after resolving any spark issues. It's not necessary to grunt it through the full compression stroke to start. Make sure your compression releases are properly open and use up about 3/4 of the stroke - you"ll see if it spits fuel and if it does, it"s ready to start (assuming spark). Take it over the top and when the mag fires, it should start. I used to try powering mine over until an old-timer pointed out how to start it without raising a sweat !
I get along much better with it now !