LUC first starting paradox

[bjb in TX from Ne]

I have an LUC that I bought non-running. I rebuilt the oil pump and carb last year. This year I put new point and condenser in the mag (good blue spark). However I can not get it to start by hand cranking.

I don't know if the carb is set correctly b/c its not running, but I cant get it started b/c I don't know if the carb is set. It will fire with starting fluid but won't take off.

Any tricks to getting this engine set correctly to get it started? It is quite the workout in the texas heat trying to handcrank it.

 

[Greenday]

Are you sure you have good compression?

 

[bjb in TX from Ne]

I haven't tested it but there is a difference from when I was turning it over without the spark plug and with them in.

Does anyone know how many turns out the Idle screw should be? Manual says 2-1/2 and I started with 1-1/2 but couldn't find the sweet spot.

 

[Mike M]

My LA's are harder then heck to get going after sitting for a long time. Gas doesn't seem to get sucked into the cylinders but runs out on the ground like its flooded. Last time I had to pour a little gas in the cylinders.
They start fine after the first time though.

 

[bjb in TX from Ne]

Thanks, I might try that. I also though of using my tiller engine as a pony motor off the pulleys.

 

[Billy C.]

Just sold one a couple weeks ago that a buddy and I got started after it had been sitting for about six years. We cleaned carb, put new spark plugs and wires on it--still wouldn't start. We poured a little 30 wt. oil in each cylinder and after a few minutes it started on the second or third time we tried. The oil raised the compression. Glad it was back in March or April when we did that--not the 95-98 degrees we have here in central Miss. now. By the way, the man who bought it wanted to hear it run before he paid me so we poured a little gas in it and it started on the second try.

 

[Mark Poss]

Did you try pull starting it?

 

[bjb in TX from Ne]

If it had wheels it would. The LUC is a JD stationary engine out of the 12A (and possibly others) combine.

 

[730-LP]

I have one that I put a flywheel ring on and instaled a starter,just hook jumper cables to it then remove when running.Beats the heck out of cranking.Tip a wd,wd 45,A C starter will work or JD M,MT 40 and early 420

 

[Mike M]

I forgot another "trick" to start them well actually the book on them says to have the throttle in fast idle or as most know it as wide open.
I feel funny about starting an engine like this,but the books says to and it really seemed to help.

 

[[email protected]]

It doesnt need hardly any compression to start good. Oil in the cylinders helps because it draws air better, not due to more compression. The updraft carb needs alot of choke to get running. Mine is very worn & starts 2nd or 3rd crank. Ignition timing & a good strong spark are critical.

 

[[email protected]]

Try 3 or 3,1/2. Too much fuel will start/run sooner/better than not enough.