Trouble starting

[ian]

9/69 .. still orig carb.

While *attempting* final coolant flush before winter, I had a hell of a time getting the 40 to start. Once I get combustion, the engine would "sieze" before turning over fully. The starter wouldn't turn it any further.. like the engine was fighting it. I'd release the starter and then white smoke (exhaust?) and gas would come up rather violently from the carb. After doing this 3 or 4 times, it "belched" one last time and then without the aid of the starter, started right up (weird). It sputtered a bit but ran ok after 30 seconds or so.

Trying to start it a second time, I wasn't so lucky... killed the battery before it would start.

Not quite sure where to start.. I don't think it's timing related as it does run decent (though not great) once it starts.

Anyone have a clue as to what might be going on?

Thanks!

 

[IDave]

Was it running OK before you flushed it?

 

[ian]

Yep.. though started better before flush . Keep in mind, it hasn't been started for ~ 3 weeks.. and the cold is setting in. Haven't done anything under the hood... Battery is brand new.

 

[mallred]

Is it possible you got the distributor wet ? check and see if the underside of the cap is wet. If it is dry it off and if there is coolant in there clean with a solvent, I have used starting fluid but make sure it has dried before starting.

 

[theo]

If it was me I think I would roll the timing back about 5 degrees and see if it turns over better. I've had a number of engines belch and "seize" because of too much advance, maybe combined with a partially discharged battery. .02

 

[65swb45]

If it was me I think I would roll the timing back about 5 degrees and see if it turns over better. I've had a number of engines belch and "seize" because of too much advance, maybe combined with a partially discharged battery. .02

Ditto

I'm thinking that the fact that the motor is spinning over slower in the colder weather is making it more sensitive to the overly advanced timing. Wouldn't be suprised if you ended up retarding it 10 degrees.

BTW, why are you still f-ing with that 9-69 carb?

 

[ian]

Haven't had time to throw the rebuild on there yet... starting the rig was in a mad dash to get some antifreeze in the system before the big chill hits.