Model A, Got Spark, Got Fuel, not firing up

Sourbone

New User
I've got a Farmall Model A hand crank start. It has spark. I just did a complete rebuild on the carb. The carb seems to be working. The load screw is turned out 1 1/2 turns as is the idle screw. There is fuel in the cylinder as you can tell when taking out a plug. I bought fresh super octane gas. I gave it a shot of ether spray and got nothing. It's not firing up. It had been previously firing up on one or two cranks. I've got the kill switch in the correct position. I'm missing something. I'd appreciate any tips.
 
check compression, point gap, and check timing. you get those three and you should definitely get it going.
 
flooded? possible if plugs are wet try removing and drying them with propane torch and turning over engine a few times while plugs are out to clear excess fuel. wet plugs are difficult to get to fire under compression.
 
if carb work is all that you have done, since it last ran, i suspect gas problem.
but, if it does not hit on ether, hmmm. folks tell me to not use ether on these engines. hold a gas soaked rag over air intake side of carb.
timing ?
 
Are the plugs wet with gas??? If yes then there fouled out and that is where the problem is
 
You know, it was after cranking it that I pulled plug no. 1 to check for spark. It wasn't sopping wet with gas, and I put it again the chassis to test for spark. You could tell it was getting gas in the cylinder, or so I thought. I am wondering if maybe the main power screw is in too far. One recommendation is to turn it out 1 1/2 turns, another recommendation is for 2 1/2 turns. It had been running and starting well. Then after the last time I ran it, I could not get it started again. It has new plugs. They spark. I've been trying to use high octane fuel. It usually fires up on one or two cranks.
 
Dont use High octane fuel. not only unneeded, and a waste of money, but is harder to ignite!!! Pull the plugs and heat the business end with a propane torch. Put them back in and
start it. Jim
 
High octane and low compression engines do not mix well. Use the cheapest gas you can buy and your better off. As for spark it needs to be a good blue/white and jump a 1/4 inch gap or more.
 
If it is flooded you can hand crank it till your arms fall off and probably not get it going. Hook onto it and pull it and see if it runs then. Sometimes just getting it turning a little faster will get the excess blown out of there.
 

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