Starting my M

Dr. Bert

Member
When I engage the starter, it will spin the engine quite rapidly until I pull the choke, then it will "pause" like it has hit compression, then will start. I have tightened and brightened all connections, replaced a faulty battery, gone through the timing procedure numerous times, No change. Magneto clicks over when the timing marks align. Appreciate any ideas or solutions you may have. Thanks.
 
Try retarding the timing just a little bit. It is probably firing just enough advance to stall the starter. (incrementally, not massively) Jim
 
Starter is spinning so fast that the impulse isn't catching. Try closing the choke & just bump the starter with the switch off. Then open the choke, turn on the switch & it will fire on the first compression.
 
what happens if you pull the choke first then crank?
but from what i have experienced with these 6 volts is you need the fattest batt. cables and that makes a big difference on cranking. also the starter push switch must be in good condition, as there is two brass connections inside that either are worn or corroded. the one can be turned around also if it is worn.
 
friend of mine swears that this is the way that you have to start his B; turn switch on, pull the choke lever out all the way, push the choke lever in all the way in and hit the starter. ?????
 
"Milking" the choke to get the engine to fire was common practice especially in cold weather. IH farmall engines, even the modern numbered series are notoriously cold natured. Cousin's gas 656 grandpa bought new in 1966 will not move under it's own power until warmed up a few minutes, then they will run like a champ all day long. I've always attributed this to the length of pipe from the carburetor to the intake manifold. Uncle Mike cussed his M to get it to start, it sounds like your tractor is running well.
 
A good test I have for timing kickback is to pull the coil wire and crank it. Put the coil wire back in and test.

Do not use choke when cranking without spark.
 
I agree that either your timing is a touch to advanced, or starter turning to fast for mag impulse to trip. Choking should absolutely have nothing to do with the starter turning your tractor over. Timing (at what point it actually fires) could stop the rotation if firing before top dead center. For what its worth, my M starts real easy. Likes a little choke at about 65 degrees or cooler. Needs to be ran with choke on a little till warmed up when below say 45. The extra wif of gas is nesesary in cooler temperatures.
 

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