851 starting problems

jdavis64 · Jul 2, 2012

Hello, I have a 1958 851, hasn't been started in over a year. I installed a new battery, cleaned the points and contacts until I have spark. After a few tries, it finally started with the choke all the out. Only ran for a few seconds then dies out. Now, no luck...
Any ideas would be appreciated.

BTW, if I put a spark checker in place, how much is a good indication of enough spark?

Thanks for all the help

John_PA · Jul 2, 2012

pull the drain plug from the bottom of the carb bowl. drain all that nasty out of there. get rid of all the old gas. put fresh new gas in it. crack it to 1/4 to 1/2 throttle. choke on.

It will start. It probably doesn't have much oil on the cylinder walls to hold good compression. Just give it a few more tries and it will go.

If you are really in a hurry to get it going, hook a chain to it, then hook up to a truck and pull it around until it starts running.

old · Jul 2, 2012

Only good spark tester is your eyes and seeing a blue/white spark that jumps a 1/4 inch gap or more. Takes 3 things for an engine to run. Spark/fuel/compression. One that has sat for over a year need to have ATF put in the cylinders to free up sticking rings and valves plus it need the spark checked and the carb drained real well so as to get all the nasty stuff out of it

souNdguy · Jul 3, 2012

if you have good spark at the plug and she will start with alot of choke then die.. i think I'd start looking at fuel..

jdavis64 · Jul 3, 2012

OK, today I spent most of the early part, taking all the fuel stuff apart, minus the carb, drained the tank, no clog in the line, disassembled the bowl, clean that and the screen, took the breather hose off, almost emptied a can of cleaner into the carb, cleaned the air filter, changed the oil in the trap...
Still no start, checked spark again, sometimes blue sometimes white/yellow.
Going to change the plugs tomorrow... then call the shop if it doesn"t go.

GT65 · Jul 4, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, besides info already stated, the experts said it's a gravity flow system(no fuel pump) and you have a screen at the tank and entering carb so there should be no other inline filter also there should be no sags in the line between tank and carb.
I took out inline filter, removed any sags and SHAZAAM!! no more fuel problems!
I figured it had to be MAGIC! Either that or possibly well informed experts that give out great info!
Happy & Safe 4th of July
GT65

GT65 · Jul 4, 2012

Post to my own post.
Screen at tank exit and at carb entry plus,of course your SEDIMENT BOWL! I left that out above!
GT65

jdavis64 · Jul 4, 2012

Aahhh, I didn"t notice a screen at the carb entry.
This morning I took the carb off, disassembled, and had NO fuel in the bowl. The globe was full, I guess nothing getting into the carb.
All the parts are sitting in carb cleaner now.
Hopefully when all is assembled, she"ll be running fine.
Thanks for all the input..

GT65 · Jul 4, 2012

A couple of more ideas JD.Of course, make sure the fuel is turned on at the tank and make sure the fuel line isn't too close to the exhaust.It can boil and vapor lock!
GT65

851 starting problems

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