Starting a Flathead

[dekesti34]

Im having some trouble. I recently picked up a 1939 flathead six dodge engine. Im trying to get the engine started on an engine stand. I have a switch built in between the starter and the coil to control on and off. I cant get the engine to start. It will turn over no problem. Each cylinder is getting fuel, I checked by removing the spark plugs and they are wet. I have replaced points, rotor, condensor, and cap in the distributor. Gapped everything according to the service manual. Current wiring is from the battery to the starter, starter to the switch, switch to the - coil, + coil wire is to the distributor. + on the battery is grounded to the transmission mount on the stand. So I'm not sure what I am doing wrong. I get absolutly no combustion at all. I just dont know where to start when checking things. Thanks for any help.

[T120]

Check that you are getting spark from the coil to the plugs,then check your timing.This has been discussed before and if you do a forum search -there's a lot of reading.

Edited May 14, 2012 by Ralph D25cpe

[dekesti34]

So after I posted I was reading and came across somebody who flipped the coil to distributor wire. I went back into the garage and flipped the coil to distributor wire and to my suprise the motor came alive. Fired right up. So now it runs, a little rough, but it runs. Leaks oil from the rear main, but this I can fix. First time the motor has ran in 3 years, and the first time I have ever heard that sweet sound.

[T120]

Great,glad to hear of your success -a lot of helpful info here

[claybill]

what does 'flip the wire' mean? be precise please.

b

[martybose]

what does 'flip the wire' mean? be precise please.

b

I believe he was talking about moving the ignition hot lead to the negative terminal of the coil. Most coils don't work as well if the are wired backwards.

Marty

[dekesti34]

So the main spark wire from the distributor to the coil was backward. I dont know how to explain it any better but the cable must be directional. This isnt the + or - on the coil, but the main spark wire in the middle. Being more specific, The wire was plugged from the middle of the distributor the the middle of the coil, and I unplugged it and plugged the opposite ends in. Thats all I needed to do. Fired right up first try.

[TodFitch]

So the main spark wire from the distributor to the coil was backward. I dont know how to explain it any better but the cable must be directional. This isnt the + or - on the coil, but the main spark wire in the middle. Being more specific, The wire was plugged from the middle of the distributor the the middle of the coil, and I unplugged it and plugged the opposite ends in. Thats all I needed to do. Fired right up first try.

That wire is not directional.... Sounds like a bad connection at one end or the other that your removal and re-installation fixed.

[claybill]

ha! that's what i meant by being precise. not - +, but the plug/coil wire.

it is NOT directional. so something else about that wire. sounds like a lot of fun to figure out this here plymoouth motor stuff.!!

bill

[T120]

..Quite right,Bill.

Edited May 15, 2012 by Ralph D25cpe

[1941coupe]

Make sure you are getting a spark to your plugs...take one out and install it back in the plug wire. Hold the plug by the rubber boot wearing heavy gloves and position the center electrode about 1/8" from a bare metal part on the engine block. The arc should jump to the block if you have ignition.