1948 John Deere B starting issue after rebuild

Markpa13 · Oct 6, 2014

I just finished restoring a 1948 B. Tractor came out beautiful, only problem is it won't start to leave the garage! I think I've taken it about about 3 - 4 times now and can't figure it out. I'm getting a nice blue spark at the plugs and fuel coming out of the exhaust pipe after some cranking, but not even a pop. I checked the timing multiple times, all the timing marks are lining up and the magneto is snapping over at TDC. The tractor has a remanufactured carburetor, newly machined head with all new valves, block has been machined and got freshened up with new pistons and rings. I'm honestly baffled, so I'm hoping some of you guys on here may have some advice. Thank you in advance!

J.Wondergem · Oct 6, 2014

If you have fuel coming out of the stack, your not getting spark to the cylinder, OR valve timing is off.

Juicybusa2 · Oct 7, 2014

Where are you located? Knowledgable members nearby might
take a look.

teddy52food · Oct 7, 2014

Fuel out the stack sounds like it is badly flooded. Change plugs or burn these off with a torch. If it turns over hard, the starter may be taking too much & leaving little to fire the coil.

Hayrack · Oct 7, 2014

Did you take the mag off or unhook the plug wires?? You may have it 180 out on the timing. Just switch the plug wires around in there holes in the mag and see if it makes any difference.

BushogPapa · Oct 7, 2014

Pull the Plugs, Open the Pet Cocks and SHUT the gas OFF and crank it to dry it out..

NOW, Install a NEW Set of Autolite #3116 plugs.
Crank it with out opening the fuel shut-off..if no luck, open the fuel shut-off and do NOT choke it.
Try cranking it..
If still nothing, Choke it for not more than 2 revolutions.
If it does not fire, remove the plugs and tell us if they are Wet, or Dry..
At this point, (assuming you do have good compression), it is probably not a "Fuel" issue..

Greenday · Oct 8, 2014

Do a compression test. You may have washed the cylinders down with fuel.

John T · Oct 8, 2014

If its a Wico C or X Mag (and some others) the timing may be 180 degrees out in which case it wont start and may pop n bang. You say you checked timing and yes it can snap/impulse at TDC but if its 180 out its like the left and right wires are swapped. Try swapping the plug wires n see what happens. It was orginally top to left bottom to right but if the mag is 180 out that needs reversed to make her run.

It may just be flooding if the plugs are real wet after a start attempt. Clean and dry them, make sure mag is correct (may need wires swapped if a Wico C or X is 180 out) dont overchoke her n see what happens.

John T

Jeff- IN · Oct 8, 2014

This may be a stupid question, but did you shut the gas off after you ran it last? Sounds like possibly needle valve leaks by and all of your gas is in the oil. It has to really be flooded for gas out of the stack. Check to see that the tank hasn't been drained dry. I have had brand new needle valves without viton seals leak.

1948 John Deere B starting issue after rebuild

Markpa13

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J.Wondergem

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Juicybusa2

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teddy52food

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Hayrack

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BushogPapa

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Greenday

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John T

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Jeff- IN

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