MF 202 trouble starting

[brooktre]

My MF 202 with a Continental Z134 won't start. It hasn't been started for about 2 years. Ran well when parked and fuel was drained. I added fuel and tried to start but it wouldn't start. There was no spark which was due to points. I replaced the points and now it it fires but is backfiring out the exhaust. I'm thinking the carb might need work. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Dieseltech]

Firing order 1 3 4 2, are the wires on right?

 

[brooktre]

I thought about that because I had the wires off when I was checking for spark. I had the correct firing order 1-3-4-2, but was unsure about #1 plug on the distributor. Looking down at the distributor I am using the slot closest to the left front wheel for my #1 Using the attached for guidance). Is that correct?

 

[brooktre]

I did some research and found this in another forum:

"If the distributor has not been moved. Firing order, as you say, is 1-3-4-2 Distributor rotates counter clockwise - so - the wire on the distributor cap in about the 11 o clock position as you face the distributor on the left side of the engine, is to go to #1 (forward cylinder), next wire, about 7 oclock position goes to #3 cylinder, 4-5 oclock position wire goes to #4, and the last one, around 1-2 oclock goes to #2 cylinder. Put-put and it should run!!!!"

So, if this is true mine are wrong.

 

[Jim.ME]

Key wording: "If the distributor has not been moved." If it has been moved # 1 could be in any one of the 4 positions. Pull and ground the coil wire, tractor in neutral. Pull #1 plug, put your finger over the plug hole and bump the engine over. As you feel the pressure pushing your finger away, look at where the rotor is pointing. That should be where you #1 plug wire goes.

 

[Bob H from Missouri]

Check and see if the valves are sticking open.

 

[2tractors]

You can switch them all the way around till you get it right.

 

[brooktre]

Success, but still not running smoothly. I got it started. I did have the wires installed wrong. I even looked before I removed the cap and marked #1 on it. I misidentified the #1 from the start.

It starts easily now but I'm still getting some light backfiring when I increase the throttle. This backfiring is in the carb not out the exhaust. Is this my carb out of adjustment?

 

[Dieseltech]

If engine is cold, it may do it. When warm if it does it carb is set too lean, back the main screw out 1/4 turn at a time and see if it stops.

 

[BIG1RED9]

Point gap will impact timing. If the new points have a different gap than the old set, it could also be a source of the backfiring.

 

[brooktre]

OK thanks for the replies. I'll adjust the carb and recheck the point gap this weekend.

 

[brooktre]

I abandoned this last fall when it was too cold for me to work outside. It has finally got warm enough to check it out and my timing was off which was causing a miss / backfire under load. I messed with the carburetor and it really seemed as if it was the issue, but in the end it was the timing.

These MF202s are tough to time using a light. And then when the loader is on it makes even harder. I used a regular (pistol) timing light with a mirror to view the timing marks through the timing hoie.

 

[mecheng87]

I use my cell phone camera with the timing light