F-14 hard to start

farmerphil · Apr 21, 2009

I have a F-14 that is almost impossible to start, Mag has been rebuilt, throws a nice blue spark. It is hard to start with the crank, but pull it with another tractor it will start right up. what could be wrong? Thank-you

Fawteen · Apr 22, 2009

Almost certainly carburation issues. The downdraft carb is VERY fussy about float height and will flood in a heartbeat if it's off.

Had the same issue with mine, and it eventually got to the point where it wouldn't start under ANY inducement. Found out the float was leaking. Put a new float in it (a hard to find item btw...) and now it starts first flip.

If you get the starting procedure wrong and flood it, just walk away for 15 minutes or so. Continuing to wind on a flooded F14 is futile.

John M · Apr 22, 2009

"Put a new float in it (a hard to find item btw...)"

Fawteen, have you forgotten what some bozo on here years ago called your generic responce? Rice Equipment does have new floats, or at least they did 3 years ago.

John M · Apr 22, 2009

If the impulse on the mag is clicking, I agree with Fawteen! Took me 4 or 5 years , and a new float from Rice, to finally get it right. Its still fussy sometimes, but I usually dont have problems anymore!

Germ · Apr 22, 2009

Floats are now available on EBay as a Buy it Now for about $32.00.
Try here

spiffy1 · Apr 22, 2009

It reads like you're saying 6inches rather than 6feet and everytime rather than weeks between, so it looks like the ealier replies are likely right. Else, I was thinking the fuel pump may not be quite getting it up there.

Also, is it possible the rings or valves are getting weak? With nasty compression loss, a hand crank may not be quite quick enough to get it going.

Fawteen · Apr 22, 2009

I dunno, but Rice Equipment?

Getting old sucks, I never thought to check with them...

James Williams · Apr 22, 2009

If it will start easy by pulling and runs good after starting its almost always the mag or timming

james

lil mac · Apr 22, 2009

This has been an interesting discussion! Owning an F-14 I can honestly say "Been there done that" After reading all the comments, I have now ordered a new Float. However, looking at the shop manual and reading the fuel level for the float it is very confussing. Explain 23-25 32nds below bottom of upper body? Can it be explained a little more simple? Someone told me all F-14s are named after women, because you never know when they are going to start!

F-14 hard to start

farmerphil

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Fawteen

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John M

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John M

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Germ

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spiffy1

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Fawteen

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James Williams

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lil mac

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