44 H Compression/Starting Problems

ChrisL · May 30, 2020

H will not start, ran a few years ago, replaced points (0.015" gap) and plugs (0.025" gap), cap/rotor/wires all look good cleaned carb. (rebuilt purchased on this website 3 years ago), checked float, needle valve, main jet. No water in the gas, but gas is 2 years old, I mix in 5 gal new gas. I believe that I have it timed correctly, No.1 on the compression stroke, two lines lined up on the front pulley, and rotor pointed to No.1 on the cap.

I checked compression all cylinders are at ~50 psi, therefore my question (can't find what the compression should be in my manuals)

Is 50psi enough compression for an H to run?

This machine used to the best running thing I own and I let it sit a few years.

thank you
Chris - Southern Maine

old · May 30, 2020

Distributor or mag?? That point gap is correct for a mag but not a distributor. Distributor gap is 0.020. As for compression that is low so has it sat a long time?? If it has fill the cylinders with ATF and pour as much ATF down the exhaust as you can and let it sit a week. Yes put the plugs back in when you fill the cylinder. Then after a week pull the plugs and spin it over to clear the ATF out of the cylinder and check compression

ChrisL · May 30, 2020

Distributor and yes its been sitting a few years, I will follow your advance on improving the compression and re-adjust the point gap to 0.020.

thank you

Bob M · May 30, 2020

I had exactly the same issue with my Super H after sitting for 2-1/2 years. This is what got it running again:

1 - Remove the plugs and squirt about 1 ounce of motor oil into each jug. Then crank the engine - with the plugs still out - for about 30 seconds to spread the oil. Good chance you will find the compression has improved considerably.

2 - Dump ALL the gas from the tank AND drain the carburetor bowl. Then refill with FRESH gas. (Even diluted with fresh, 2 year old gas often becomes unburnable - especially if it contains ethanol and you are located where the humidity is frequently high).

If no joy then try Olds' fill and soak procedure...

Old weldor · Jun 1, 2020

If it’s been sitting for two years you need to clean or sand the points as they get a film on them from sitting. Don’t add fresh gas to old gas s it will not freshen it! Drain gas out & start with fresh gas. Check for spark that should jump a quarter inch.

44 H Compression/Starting Problems

ChrisL

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old

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ChrisL

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Bob M

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Old weldor

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