non starting 52 8N update

[WI Dave]

I got a chance to go out and work on the tractor today. (It no longer will start, but runs fine if pull started.) I had the battery tested, it had a bad cell, so they gave me a new one for free, even though the battery was from someplace else. I put in the new 6 volt battery, starter turns over good again, still no start. It's getting fuel, so I checked for spark..
I got out a new plug, attached the plug wire and pushed the starter and got a nice blue spark. I also got a shock from holding the wire. Is that normal? The plug wires look brand new. On to the coil? The maintenance aspect is new to me, so any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[WI Dave]

I forgot to add that I checked for compression and manifold vacuum like soundguy suggested, and it has both. It just turns over and doesn't even try to start.

 

[Jim WestTN]

What does have both mean? What are your compression readings??
If it has a good strong blue spark and starts when pulled low compression is a probable cause.

 

[Jerry/MT]

If the wire is really dirty and/or has cracks in the insulation, it can shock you. But a good wire shouldn"t. If you got a Fat Bluish-white spark, no need to look at the coil. It"s doing it"s job.

What about timing? Have you got a side mount or a front mount? I understnd you can"t mistime the front mount without breaking it.
Usually, if you have to pull start a tractor, the intake vaves are to tight. Check the valve lash.

 

[Colin King]

Dave,

I agree with Jerry that your plug wires need replacing. But if you have a good blue spark with a new plug ... your wires are not the immediate problem.

An often repeated trick is to replace your existing plugs. You may have unknowingly flooded the engine on a previous start attempt. This hampers the ability of the plugs to generate a good hot spark. Install a new set of Autolite 437s gapped at 0.025.

If that works for you, keep the old plugs around and install them one at a time in a hot engine to get them back in good operating condition. You'll then have a set of backup plugs

Colin, MN

 

[Jack - Illinois]

Clue of pull starts OK but won't start with starter would suggest low voltage caused by starter current draw. Check ALL battery cable connections - both ends of all. Shiny, bright, clean, and tight. You already found and replaced the bad battery, so I will assume it is good.

 

[old]

Put in a new set of plugs. Your old plugs are probably fouled by gas or oil. If it doesn't start then you may have a weak starter which is pulling to many amps and robs the coil of spark. You plug wires should also be replace it they bite you. Be sure to use true copper wire plug wires not the ones made for cars/truck
Hobby farm

 

[Anonymous-0]

If you have a battery tester to check the specific gravity of the battery you may not have the amperage you need to give you a good spark. Check the specific gravity to see how good your battery is would be a good start on this search. Then follow your wiring to the spark if it is not the fuel supply.

 

[WI Dave]

After I put in the new battery and it still wouldn't start, I put in 4 new autolite 437's (.025) and it still does the same thing. Turns over and over, not even a pop. Hopefully I'll get a chance to work on it on sunday. I'll re-check all the wiring and maybe give her a shot of starting fluid and see if that does anything.