Wisconsin VE4 starting problems.

It's a 1952 hand crank engine with Wico XH1343 magneto. I bought it 20 years ago not running. Recently I rebuilt the carb, changed points & condensor, timed it per the manual, set all valves,tried adding oil to the cylinders to build compression. I have a backfire when first cranking which the manual says is normal for a cold engine. Then more cranking but no fire. I have a blue spark on all plugs. Then the carb will start dripping gas. I tried this with a fuel pump & without, but same result.

How hard should it be to crank? Without spark plugs it spins easy and with them slightly harder to turn. I can rotate with 1 arm and sometimes it gets harder and 2 hands are needed. I tried a compression check but it didn't build much & difficult to keep cranking it by hand.

I'm thinking compression is my problem as no gas seems to be getting to the cylinders. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Larry
 
Well, I can tell you a story about a VE4 on a massey harris combine. grandpa had one back in the 50's. The engine had a brand new overhaul. They were trying to cut milo. They would try to start the engine in th emoring and it would take till noon or later to get it started. Grandpa,dad, and dads brother would take turns at the crank.

They are a very hard starting engine. Every old farmer I know has told me stories about trying to start the VE4's
 
If they are set up right with a good hot mag timed right, they start on the 2nd or 3rd compression. But if you kill them & try & start them hot, that is another story.
 

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