[AT] Starting Problem/Electrical?

[Rob Gray]

Mike,

Thanks for the info! It is much appreciated.

Rob

Mike Sloane wrote:

> I don't have an instant solution for you, Rob, but here are some 
> things that you can do to start:
>
> Remove one or more of the spark plugs. If they are "wet" with fuel, 
> you are getting gas but no spark. If they are completely dry, you are 
> probably getting spark but no gas.
>
> Check the oil in the air cleaner - I have had condensation get in 
> there on my 860 so deeply that no air could get past.
>
> Pull one of the plug leads and position it so that it is about 1/8" 
> from  any ground and crank - you should hear a "click" and see a blue 
> spark jump the gap every so often.
>
> Take a look at the cap, wires, and coil - if they are dirty, moisture 
> will stick to them and sometimes permit a leak to ground, robbing you 
> of a spark. Also make sure the inside of the cap is clean and dry for 
> the same reason. An ordinary hair dryer can be used to dry things out 
> quickly.
>
> If you don't have any spark (and this is common in the damp last 
> couple of weeks we have had in our region), your points may need more 
> than just a "light sanding" to get rid of the layer of oxidation that 
> may be there. For what they cost, you might want to run down to your 
> local NH dealer and pick up a replacement set - they have just the 
> points, so you don't have to buy a complete tune-up kit.
>
> Those are most of my suggestions for someone without a lot of "Joe 
> Mechanic" experience or fancy equipment. If you want to get fancy, at 
> <http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/tools__equipment/ignition_tester.html> 
> you will see my "50 cent spark checker" that consists of an old 
> working spark plug, a hose clamp, and a battery clip. You can buy 
> these already made up, but this one works just as well (for me). Just 
> clip it to a bare spot, not the painted bolt I used to stage the picture.
>
> Good luck, and let us know how you made out,
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> Rob Gray wrote:
>
>> My 8N has been so reliable over the years that I've never become very 
>> experienced at diagnosing/fixing starting problems with it. On top of 
>> that I'm not Joe Mechanic to say the least. Recently it won't start 
>> and I've done/checked the following so far:
>>
>> 1) Confirmed that gas is flowing fine to the carburator
>> 2) Starter is spinning fine
>> 3) Battery is fully charged
>> 4) I lightly sanded the points in the distributor and on the roter 
>> since they were a little oxidized
>> 5) The wires from the distributor to the spark plugs appear to be fine
>>
>> I believe the problem is related to no spark, or at least electrical 
>> in nature
>>
>> Can someone give me a hint as to what to check next/what to do?
>>
>> Rob
>>
>>
>



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