Farmall H Starting Problems.....

I looked at a 1946 Farmall H in november and it ran good, it flooded when we firt tried to start it but finally got it started by using a batery charger with the high amp 6 volt start mode. I since bought the trator and now we ahve problems starting it.....IT WON"T. Put new battery in it and new battery cables of correct size, becasue it needed it. Now all it does is crank over. If i choke it gas leakes from the carb, and jsut keeps cranking without even a pop. I'm going tommrow prepared to get it running. I'm gunna pull the plugs and give them a looken, and tesst for spark...the best way to do this is to just take the plugs out and ground it to the block and look for spark right??? I'll take some ether JUST IN CASE. It may need the points adjusted or new points if no spark. I dunno why it doesn't want to start, but i'll crank it and see if the plugs are even getting gas, and then check for spark, and try to elminate things one by one....anyone have any suggestions? It has a magneto.

Ryan

You've got gas dripping from the carb, so you know it has fuel that far, at least. I'd look for spark next. Remove a spark plug wire from the mag cap. Let it hang in mid-air while still attached to the mag. Get a long screwdriver with a wood or plastic handle. Put the tip of the blade firmly against the engine block, and have someone crank the engine over WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH ON while you move the blade of the screwdriver close to the end of the plug wire. If you have spark, it will jump from the wire to the screwdriver. You won't get shocked, as it will go back to the engine block. If you can't get a spark that way, then it's time to dig into the mag. If you do get a healthy-looking blue spark (reddish may indicate poor condenser) then pull the spark plugs. If they are wet with gas, clean them. Don't just clean the threaded end, wipe the porcelin insulator with a paper towel to remove moisture, dirt, etc. While they are out, crank the engine a couple of turns to put some clean air inside
before re-installing the plugs.
If the gas is old, all bets are off.

As a previous poster indicated, they each have their quirks about how much choke they want. I'd start with about 1/4 throttle and no choke. Get the engine spinning, then add a LITTLE choke if needed.

If the thing remains completely reluctant, or if the battery is about gone, consider applying 12 volts directly to the starter. Don't touch the starter switch on the tractor when doing this, and the 6volt system will remain isolated from the 12 volts. If you go the 12 volt routine with jumper cables, wear some safety goggles, and don't have stray sparks anywhere NEAR any dripping gasoline or gas fumes!

First thing, drain out all the old gas and put in a few gallons of fresh unleaded fuel. Do as much of a tune up as you can. How ? Check the Operator's Manual. Make sure that it has some spark.

My H starts best by pulling the choke out fully, cranking it twice around (ruh - ruh), push the choke in all the way, set the throttle up six or seven clicks from idle, and then turn on the ignition. Crank it again, and it should be running. Feather the choke a little (1/2 way ?) if it tries to die.

Good luck.

Pull the choke, hit the starter for just a second, then stop. Close the choke most of the way and hit the starter for real. If it still doesn't fire you probably don't have a good spark; first thing to do is clean and gap the points.