8n won't start

Maxine · Nov 15, 2008

I just restored my Dad's 51 8n. It has side mt. dist. and had already been switched to 12 volt.
Before it would start and run like a Singer sewing machine. But now, won't start. I replaced, wires, plugs, points, rotor, cap, condenser, coil, wiring harness & ammeter. I did not remove the dist. Getting fire everywhere but will not start even on ether. Ammeter does not move at all. Old one had stopped moving so that is why I replaced it. I took the breather pipe loose at the carb abd with the fuel shut off, sprayed ether into the carb. Plenty of suction at carb.Still will not start. Getting very discouraged. Motor was rebuilt several years ago. Has good compression. Help please!

Anonymous-0 · Nov 15, 2008

check your spark plugs you may find that they are fouled I have changed a 8n and 9n to 12volt and had the same problem. If the plugs are wet go buy new ones the best way I found to start them is as you turn over the engine pull out on the choke rod and hold it for a second or two then push it back in and it sould start the more you choke it seems to foul the plugs.

Maxine · Nov 15, 2008

I've changed the plugs twice. It still won't start. I've tried turning the gas off and spraying starting fluid straight in the carb.
The plugs are getting spark.

old · Nov 15, 2008

What are the points set at?? Side mount you set them at 0.025. Also are you 100% sure you have the firing correct if you don't it will not start either. And you need a good blue/white spark that will jump at least a 1/4 inch gap for them to start
Hobby farm

Fordman6442 · Nov 15, 2008

make sure the fuel line gives good flow at the carb. Updraft carbs should slobber a bit of gas when cranking as it needs lots to pull it up into engine.

rrlund · Nov 15, 2008

Geez,it's awful to get old and can't remember things. My brother has my Dads old 8N. Dad changed that one to 12V and it has the same problem now and then. I'm wracking my brain here to remember what we do to start it. Have you tried moving the throttle all the way up to a dead idle then slowly pulling it down as it rolls over? Have you tried towing it? Any chance that you have the plug wires crossed up? The starter probably kicks out before it'll spin for very long doesn't it? If I remember what it is that we have to do to that thing now and then,I'll post it.

greenbeanman in Kansas · Nov 15, 2008

Since so much has already been covered--I have to ask, is there any way that the exhaust could be blocked? Mud dobbers, mouse nest, etc.? Comes from the old shove a potato in exhaust pipe gag to prevent someones car from starting.

Maxine · Nov 15, 2008

I'm sure the firing order is correct. I will recheck the points.

El Toro · Nov 15, 2008

Hold your hand over the throat of the carburetor and see if there's good suction when someone try's to start the engine. You need good manifold vacuum to draw that fuel into the engine. Are you sure the cam gear and crankshaft gear are aligned correctly? Bring the No1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke and see if the timing marks are aligned and both valves are closed. Hal
PS: The rotor should point to the No1 plug tower too.

8n won't start

Maxine

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Anonymous-0

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Maxine

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old

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Fordman6442

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rrlund

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greenbeanman in Kansas

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Maxine

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El Toro

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